Paris,je t’aime!

Each time the Paris Fashion Week comes, the Parisian streets become a runway of their own. We bring you more from the fashion capital

Paris Fashion Week is the last stop among the noted fashion-capitals to present the next season’s trends. It is also the week where the biggest fashion houses hold events for their discerning clientele so that they can experience the best of what they have to offer. From February 28 to March 7, names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Yves Saint Laurent and more presented their Autumn Winter 2012-13 collections. We highlight some names that won our hearts:

Chanel

Known to have the most elaborate sets for their fashion shows, Chanel’s stage was decorated with sharp crystal stalagmites arising from the floor. The models walked around them with a strong, warrior like stance. It reflected the modern Chanel woman of the coming winter season. With clean tight pony tails, and linear embellished eyebrows, nothing was too flouncy about the Chanel models. Even details like ruffles, billowy sleeves, and feathers were applied in a controlled manner.

Colours like metallic blue, silver, mustard, ruby red, green, purple, white, grey and of course black were used. The silhouette was defined by the buckled belts that were cinched at the waist. Jackets in all shapes and sizes, overcoats, shrugs, tuxedo, ankle length parkas, made sure there were a lot of options available. More feminine elegance came through the use of pearl-chain accessories, chiffon blouses, and lace leggings. Designer Karl Lagerfeld made sure this collection had enough colour, styles and layering for all age groups of Chanel customers.

Paco Rabanne

This show was really important for India as it was Delhi designer Manish Arora’s second collection for French house Paco Rabanne. Manish had the responsibility to show a collection which portrayed a modern brand along with a very strong sensibility. Using unconventional materials like metal and plastic was a Rabanne staple.

Manish continued the tradition of using chain mail to see dresses. Rabanne used this method as well. He overcame the challenge by presenting a collection which was updated and appropriate for 2012. The looks were much more wearable this season as opposed to the last year.

One of which was immediately picked up by Lady Gaga for her multiple wardrobe changes for last year’s Grammy Awards. This one would have a larger audience due to the more ready-to-wear appeal of the garments. Sports jackets, shift dresses, tunics, skirts, in rich techniques using leather, metal disks, chain, fur, etc made up this a collection. However, it required a closer look to be understood fully. The closing looks used the Paco s iconic chain technique but in a modern way by layering it over fabric and giving it a softer edge with fur trims.

Louis Vuitton

On the last day of the Paris Fashion Week, luxury label Louis Vuitton presented a show which left everyone gasping. The presentation in itself was a spectacle. A working steam engine train rolled onto the stage with Louis Vuitton written on its side. Out came the models wearing rich garments in jewelled tones and embellished embroideries.

Each model was accompanied by a uniformed porter carrying Vuitton’s luggage and handbags giving its customers plenty of options to choose from. The clothes had a soft layered silhouette paired with slouchy hats which reminded one of a Mary Poppins inspired look.

Calf-length skirts paired over same print trousers matched with double breast-cropped jackets were also seen. ‘Princess cut’ necklines were a hint to the class of the wearer of these dresses. Marc Jacobs gave the customers and company owners plenty to be happy about — a super luxe line of ready-to-wear garments, a whole range of leather and a great luggage and handbags line.

Stella McCartney

Stella’s strength lies in knowing what the modern woman wants. She is after all her own target audience and wears the brand very well herself along with her other high profile friends like Kate Moss, Liv Tyler, and Madonna. Having studied tailoring from the reputed Savile Row, Stella McCartney used menswear tailoring techniques which are uniquely appropriate to a woman’s body. Add this with her penchant to modernise sportswear, the looks were easy, smart and extremely wearable.

The show opened with models in navy, white and black pieces. Short skirts with tucked in shirt blouses with appliqué lace work. Her signature slouchy knitwear had a mosaic pattern of grey and black. Suits such as the navy double breasted pant suit and the brown wool skirt-suit will surely be on every working girl’s wish list.

She also introduced jackets that were beautifully cut in an hourglass shape. They could even pass as dresses themselves. The mannish trousers and sports varsity style inspired bomber jackets added gave her fans a variety of options. Her ethically conscious customer (Stella McCartney doesn’t use any animal skin in her designs) will have enough to choose from to wear during the day or as evening, work or party wear.

The writer is a fashion blogger (www.lovestruckcow.blogspot.com) who attempts to bridge the gap between creator and
consumer. As a fashion writer, she hopes to promote Indian fashion among Indians and on a global level too.

Tags: Chanel, featured, full-image, Lady Gaga, Louis Vuitton, Manish Arora, Paco Rabanne, Paris Fashion Week., Stella McCartney

Category: Fashion