Go Behind the Scenes at Paris Couture Fashion Week with 20+ Exclusive Photos

Ah, Paris Haute Couture Week—aka the seven-day marathon of nonstop glamor, princess gowns, and general high fashion glitterati as mega-name designers send their latest masterpieces down the runway.

There’s glitter, there’s floral appliqué, and you can betcha there’s a whole lot of tulle. Tres chic! But remember: That’s just what you see on the catwalk. There’s a whole 'nother world of other happenings going on backstage and beyond (like models goofing off and some seriously last second tailoring). Thanks to award-winning photographer Kevin Tachman, we have the behind-the-scenes shots to prove it.

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Scroll down to see exclusive photos from inside Paris Haute Couture Week.

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE

At Chanel's Haute Couture show, models walked down the runway wearing black mini veils.

Yara Shahidi poses, one among many chic celebrity guests, wearing Chanel at their Haute Couture show.

Sofia Coppola, a friend of the House of Chanel, enters the Grand Palais, where the Chanel Haute Couture show takes place each season.

A model walks a garden-inspired runway in a sparkling jumpsuit.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Giambattista Valli's show was filled with the poofy dresses we've come to know and love from the brand.

Models backstage, energetic in their floral frocks.

A model floats backstage in a lime green chiffon gown.

A bright green dress takes over the entire runway at Giambattista Valli.

A pink tiered gown: the ultimate fairy-tale princess couture dream.

VIKTOR & ROLF

Hair and makeup are as important as the dresses during Couture week in Paris. Here, a model from Viktor & Rolf shows off her eye makeup pre-show.

Viktor & Rolf proves the design does not stop at the clothing. Headpieces and vibrant makeup were as much a part of the collection as the show-stopping dresses.

It's not all serious in Paris. Here, a model is seen smiling as she leaves the runway.

A model displays her extravagant headpiece backstage at Viktor & Rolf.

DIOR HAUTE COUTURE

At Dior Haute Couture, surrealism reigned.

Black and white made up the color scheme at this season's Dior Haute Couture show.

Twiggy's eyelashes have nothing on the Dior girls'. Spider lashes were seen on every woman who walked the runway.

Mascarade, anyone?

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

It's all about the detailing at the Jean Paul Gaultier couture show.

Nothing says "couture" like the movement of a handmaid dress.

Coco Rocha MADE fashion week by walking the couture runway with her adorable daughter.

Winners of the informal competition: Most Fun Couture Backstage Ever.

Those colors, though.

Lest we forget about accessories...

I get by with a little help from my (very well dressed) friends.

ELIE SAAB

At Elie Saab, models wore crystal headpieces; a very chic replacement to the wool beanie you've been wearing around this winter.

Models gather backstage at Elie Saab.

At couture, it's important to look at dresses from all angles.

The details in this Elie Saab gown are what couture is all about.