Heightened reality. Roman enchantment. Theatrical techno-chic. A major hire. A celebration of the ateliers. And of course, plenty of major dresses. A whirl of activity on the runway and off spoke to haute’s 21st-century vitality.

A Qatar-caliber heat wave scuttled plans to parade the collection at the designer’s castle in the Luberon.

Karl Lagerfeld delivered a moment of wonder on Thursday night in his much-anticipated Roman extravaganza for Fendi, stellar on multiple levels.

A Shakespearean sonnet, and maybe the swan song of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s partnership.

John Galliano showed a collection that cross-referenced skateboard culture with the French Revolution to masterful effect.

The designer was in a more contemplative mood than usual, with a collection inspired by a stroll through a forest in Japan.

Zuhair Murad played a bohemian rhapsody, for a free spirit from the Seventies — with deep pockets.

The designers repurposed scraps from collections across their career, yielding charming rag-rug embellishments on vintage garments.

Inspired by New York, the collection was a bit more tense, sultrier and a tiny bit rougher than usual.

The designer has a knack for integrating complex artisanal techniques while making his couture pieces look effortless.

With their graphic ribbons and lavishly tiered skirts, the gowns were giddily in-your-face.

If couture is about possibilities, Gilles Mendel showed plenty, including a range of off-the-shoulder furs and beaded columns in Klimt colors.