Paris fashion week closes out a month of fashion from the major capital cities. It is not considered to be officially over without a recap of our favourite AW15 collection from the City of Light.
Karl Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais into an elegant Parisian Café’ setting the mood of a jaunty, retro inspired AW15 Chanel collection. Models took seats in the café Brasserie Gabrielle, reading the newspaper and browsing the menu. Signature pieces like the tweedy skirt suits had a makeover with hybrid textured puffy and quilted jackets paired with matching pencil skirts.
Torn fishnet tights, mini dresses and heavy makeup were all elements of the AW15 Saint Laurent collection. This was an anthem to the punk rock scene of the 80s. Among the highlights: tulle-prom-style dresses combined with mannish tweed blazers, micro mini leather party dresses and biker jackets atop spiky ankle boots. Chic meets grimy has never been more on trend.
The Balmain AW15 collection continues the 70s rock glam trend initiated in the previous season. Artistic director Olivier Rousteing was inspired by his muse Kim Kardashian in creating the elements of the show. Pleated gowns, chiffon and lace jumpsuits, shimmering lurex fringing, bold psychedelic colors, wide stripes and structured shoulders also bore some resemblance to the 80s. A modern reinterpretation of two decades, that results in a bold, sexy and fierce collection.
Artistic director Alber Elbaz looked back at his Moroccan roots for the AW15 Lanvin’s collection, which encapsulated a strong, elegant and eclectic verve. Equestrian inspired trousers and slit-skirts with tassel-belts, floaty Bohemian dresses, shearling coats and austere gaucho-style pieces embellished with red sequined flowers narrated the story of an urban traveler woman.
Valentino showcased a sophisticated, opt art influenced AW15 collection. Opening with graphic monochrome pieces that later evolved into embroidered lace patchwork dresses in settled warm colors, it then hit the apex with delicate dreaming tulle and chiffon evening gowns. The Valentino show was not just about the fashion as actors Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson walked the runway reprising their roles from the movie Zoolander.
Miu Miu AW15 collection is for the bon ton girls with a 80s punk soul. Leopard prints in bright colors, heavy tweeds, python skin and faux crocodile are among the textiles that, when paired with girlish apron-esque cotton dresses, frilled sailor bibs, double breasted coats and short-sleeved sweaters, intentionally highlight the bittersweet clash that exist within the the collection.
