Fendi takes contemporary haute couture lineup to Palais Brongniart in Paris

Models marched steadily down the marble runway of a stark, white space set up in Palais Brongniart

PARIS (Reuters) - Italian fashion house Fendi took to the former Paris bourse headquarters on Thursday for its fall haute couture catwalk show, where designer Kim Jones showed a contemporary lineup of light, sensual gowns for formal occasions.

Models marched steadily down the marble runway of a stark, white space set up in the neoclassical Palais Brongniart while dramatic opera singing played on the soundtrack.

They wore the slender, floor-sweeping silhouettes crafted with elaborate draping techniques and no apparent hems - as if the fabric had been snipped clear of any extra weight. The show opened with a long, nude-toned dress with a full skirt, covering just one shoulder and wrapped tightly around the bust.

Other monochrome looks followed, mostly in dusty pastels or black, worn with chunky heels, curved like cowboy boots, and delicate clutches held close to the chest.

Adding texture, jacket and trouser ensembles came coated in chunky crystals, while furry pieces like short jackets worn off the shoulders appeared to be weightless, including a sleeveless gown in mint green.

Jones, who is also creative director for the menswear line of Dior, another LVMH-owned fashion house, took his bow with Delfina Delettrez Fendi, artistic director of jewellery.

Front row guests at the show included Cardi B, Shakira and Naomi Watts.

The Paris haute couture shows wrap up Thursday, having featured labels Giorgio Armani Prive, Kering-owned (PRTP.PA) Balenciaga, Dior, Valentino and American fashion house Thom Browne.