Paris Fashion Week Part 1

To get into the spirit of things, my first visit during my stay was to the Musée de la Mode at the Palais Gallerina to see the exhibition Fashion in France 1947 - 1957. It was amazing to get right up close to original designs by Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Balenciaga and Hermès to name but a few. Stand out pieces included a yellow and black trompe l'oeil dress by Hermès and an apricot structured ballgown by YSL for Dior.

  


 

I also visited my favourite lifestyle store, Colette to check out the latest Anya Hindmarch and Moschino pieces, and also to get my hands on some Fashion Frosties! The store is a favorite of Karl Lagerfeld and stocks fashion, music, books as well as a very stylish café. 

  

After a fashion focussed afternoon, I settled down with a noisette coffee to examine Day One's offerings. 

Anthony Varacello

PFW got off to a great start with this highly contemporary show, featuring the designer's signature triangular skirts and on trend logo statement pieces. Pinstriped blouses were unbuttoned to the navel, alongside imaginative use of monochrome sheer and latex. I loved the black and white large print pieces at the end, which were inspired by recent protests in France

   

Dries Van Noten

Jaw-droppingly beautiful was one way to describe this collection, which was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Chiffon dresses billowed down the moss covered catwalk, showcasing incredibly complex fabrics, colourful stripes, pajamas and sublime silks. Think earthy metallics.

Balenciaga

My first thoughts were that Alexander Wang's latest offering were that it was all a bit Matrix like (long black coats over short shorts) then I discovered that he had been inspired by the Tour de France. The silhouette was slick and streamlined, with diamond shaped mesh in a variety of sizes being used to great effect in the majority of looks. Bobble effect skirts paired with off the shoulder bandage tops were also à strong look. Wang really can do no wrong at the moment. 

   

Rochas

It was all about/above the belt at Rochas, with plenty of chiffon and lace being juxtaposed with belts over the bust, and amazing crystal encrusted shoes paired with sports socks. Designer Alessandro dell'Acqua showed translucent, collared creations, some of which were adorned with a sporty R motif. Hummingbirds danced across a variety of fabrics, with all types of lace featuring heavily. It was certainly different and somehow worked.

Part 2 sees Carven, Balmain, Lanvin, Christian Dior...