Last but not least, here’s my recap of Paris Fashion Week (PFW). PFW is what I look forwards to in the fashion week circuit since so many of my favorite designers lead French fashion houses.
Balenciaga
Alexander Wang paid homage to Cristóbal Balenciaga with Balenciaga’s FW15 designs. It was a mostly monochrome collection with signature billowing sleeves and exaggerated shoulders. Seams were held together by metal staples with brooches as decoration. Belts were repurposed, draped unfastened around the neck as collars. I especially like the long-sleeved top resembling a refined version of shiny chainmail worn with a tulip skirt. Isn’t it TDF?! A very wearable, totally office-apropos collection.
Balmain
Olivier Rousteing looked to Paris in the 70’s for Balmain’s sophisticated fall line. Oliver’s Balmain army perfectly showcased outfits in exuberant hues of bold colors; tangerine, magenta, purple, forest green, offset by borders of black. There was plenty of lace and sheer panels, pleats, and mesmerizing fringe. Power shoulders and cinched waists made for strong, feminine silhouettes, emphasizing the understated sex appeal Oliver sought to achieve, a feat made possible with models like Alessandra Ambrioso and Adriana Lima.
Elie Saab
Elie Saab eschewed pastel colors for an edgy, feminine look for his FW15 collection. Models walked the runway in his creations with kohl-rimmed eyes and fierce pouts. The clothes, like the foresty surroundings the show was set in, were covered in leaf-appliques made of lace and sequins. The look I’m coveting is a lovely army-green gown, with a slit down the middle to show the slightest hint of a bare chest, appearing again on the full skirt where legs play peek-a-boo. An overall beautifully intricate collection, but would you expect any less from ES? However, I’m still not partial to the idea of open-toe boots. Do they really serve any purpose? Convince me?
Isabel Marant
Queen of boho-chic Isabel Marant showed a collection that would belong in any French girl’s closet. Oversized coats, high-waisted everything (how awesome are those belted white high-waisted jeans?!), knitwear, and Breton stripes (one of my favorite looks). I love how the makeup was kept soft and natural so the clothes would get the most attention. Like how the sneaker-wedge was a such a huge hit, I’m going to go ahead and say those strappy, military-inspired ankle boots are going to be a wardrobe staple.
Saint Laurent
This season Hedi Slimane embraced promiscuity and a whole lot of attitude for Saint Laurent. Equal parts rock ‘n roll and feminine–the Saint Laurent girls embodied a ‘punk ballerina’ with tulle skirts woen over ripped fishnet stockings–a collection that reminds me of Jenny Humphrey’s line in Gossip Girl. The melodramatic cat-eye and bright red lip only served to be the perfect backdrop for all the leather, boxy cropped jackets, and sequinned mini dresses with slits up to there. Anyone looking for a atypical wedding dress should consider the white-ruched bustier mini, I know I’d gladly wear it!
Stella McCartney
The Stella McCartney girl should never have to stinge on comfort to be stylish, as proven with this season’s cllection. Too hot with full blanket coverage and too cold with no blanket? McCartney understands your struggle. Cue oversized cowl-neck jumpers with one arm exposed that will keep your body temperature at a comfortable level. Genius much? I’ve been on the lookout for a neutral trench, and the gray one by McCartney certainly takes the cake! Paired with wide-legged trousers with a flute hem and burgundy boots, it’s the perfect fall outfit. The paper-bag waisted trousers and faintly-ombered asymmetrical dresses worn over breezy, floor-sweeping pants the definition of comfortable chic. Amazing collection which I’m sure most women will be able to pull off. Bravo!
More FW15 coverage here.
