Paris Fashion Week | Part I

September 30, 2016

Rihanna and the Fenty x Puma crew via Driely S. for Vogue

All the latest from the Paris shows


We've made it to the end of Fashion Month! Paris is always the exciting finale, and though we're only halfway through, there have already been some amazing debuts and standout collections.



Here's the rundown on the biggest shows so far:


A Softer Side

Balmain
Balmain, a Kardashian-favorite, is famed for structured shapes, plenty of hardware, and an overall severe quality that makes it a go-to amongst powerful women. For spring, Olivier Rousteing took a softer approach, featuring sensuous drapery and neutral colors. There was still plenty of that typical Balmain spirit in the form of copious cutouts and a parade of metallic dresses at the end, but it's less angular than past collections, which is a welcome departure.

P.S. I legitimately thought the choker of that nude dress was shaped like a dragon and 100% feel like that look could have been sent straight from Daenerys Targaryen's wardrobe.

This Season's It Accessory

Handbags at Chloé
Obviously I'm a fan of Chloé's A+ accessory game; I just got my hands on the Drew (thanks, Mom!) and am lusting over so many of their new fall pieces. It seems the lusting will continue into 2017, because there were some very cool handheld purses on the spring runway. Calling it now, these are going to be the must-have purse of spring.

 Two Big Debuts

Lanvin by Bouchra Jarrar
Yves Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
So far, two designers have showed their first collections for historic fashion houses this week: Bouchra Jarrar took the reigns at Lanvin, while Anthony Vaccarello started at Saint Laurent (formerly Yves Saint Laurent, now Yves Saint Laurent again). At Lanvin, Jarrar imbued Lanvin with her unique ability to blend structure and sensuality. Jarrar previously had her own couture label, and it's clear from this collection that drapery and craftsmanship is of the upmost importance. So far, I like what I see!

Meanwhile at Yves Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello continued Hedi Slimane's tradition of rock and roll style, showing plenty of leather, lace, and skin. I wasn't blown away by this collection, but I did like Vacarello's reserved take on the Saint Laurent that Slimane created, featuring more wearable, less costume-y outfits and the most iconic shoes of this season.

Maria Grazia Chiuri (formerly of Valentino) is set to make her debut at Christian Dior today, so check back later for thoughts on that show!

Le Smoking Hot

Chloé | Yves Saint Laurent | Balmain | Lanvin 
Parisian style is famed for its blend of masculine and feminine, and in no piece is it more prevelant than in le smoking. Obviously the lady tuxedo made an appearance at YSL (Yves was the one to make it a thing) but I loved seeing tailored suits pop up all over the runways, from a relaxed take at Chloeé to a glamorous dress version at Balmain.

Modern Day Marie Antoinette

Fenty x Puma
Okay, this is proof that not all celebrity collaborations are stupid! Guys, I know I'm biased to all things relating to Marie Antoinette, but I love how Rihanna reimagined the doomed French queen as a 21st-century streetwear cool girl. Corsets, pastels, silks, and fans were all present at the Fenty x Puma show, but they were paired with hoodies, sweatpants, and baseball caps. It was a really cool mashup of styles, and a good contrast to the many neutral-heavy streetwear collections out there. So Kanye, study up, because THIS is how you do interesting street fashion.

Also how excited are you guys to see Rihanna rock all these looks out and about? I know I am!

What has been your favorite show from Paris Fashion Week thus far?

4 comments

  1. This is nice! Love how you did this :)


    Saw your blog and thought if you would like to follow each other? Follow me and I'll follow back asap. Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear something from you! :)
    www.cielofernando.com
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cielo! Of course I'll check out your blog!

      Delete
  2. All the pieces are so beautiful, also Riri was such an inspiration!!

    www.stayclassi.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, Neslihan! Rihanna is seriously the best, and I love how she did a cool streetwear collection while also having some high-fashion influence and not just having it be boring (like Kanye lol)

      Delete

I love hearing your thoughts! Thanks for reading! ♥︎Lindsey