After New York, London and Milan came the Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014 shows and we’ve kept track of the exhilarating fashion action that’s been going down. After six days, we’ve seen tons of designers awash big style ideas on the catwalks of the French capital and here’s a round up on some of the best collections we’ve ogled over.
1. Balmain – As usual, it’s all about structure. Inspired by military and samurai dress, Balmain’s collection is everything a powerful woman would want – it’s edgy, sexy and definitely rugged. Olivier Rousteing took a modern approach on tribal influences and the runway saw peplum tops, opaque leggings, bandeau skirts, military-inspired jackets and leather pants. We love how every ensemble had focus on the smallest of details and some of the pieces were created with intricate patterns that give the collection a complicated yet sleek vibe.
2. Alexander McQueen – This season, McQueen went all drama, drama, drama. Imagine a dark fairytale with a ghostly, ethereal and eerie setting — that’s exactly what the entire collection was about. On the runway were long sheer gowns, A-line skirts and dresses with various textures and patterns. Although the pieces aren’t the most wearable, the collection definitely made a huge statement and we’re in awe over the dark romantic mood it sets.
3. Chanel – Karl Lagerfeld transformed Paris’s Grand Palais into a huge supermarket, setting the theme for Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2014 show. Amidst a stage filled with aisles, produce and canned goods, models walked the runway pushing shopping carts and grabbing items off the shelves. It was crazy, but a good kind of crazy and we expected nothing less from Karl! The highlights were bright leggings, tweed suits and metallic sneakers.
4. Elie Saab – The theme for Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection is dark opulence. Although the label only stuck to a few colour palettes this time round, no one can deny that its gowns are always red-carpet worthy. The autumn season focused on sexy and sleek shapes intertwined with the label’s signature femininity. All the pieces had a touch of effortless glam and the gowns were seen in an array of different fabrics such as velvet, silk chiffon, crepe, cashmere and mink.
5. Dior – With streamlined silhouettes and unexpected pops of colour, the house honours its heritage of expert tailoring and we just love how some of the pieces hug around the top half of the body seamlessly, only to transition into voluminous, full and sculptural skirts. A breath of fresh air for the autumn and winter, Dior’s collection featured fitted blazers, slim-fit pants, A-line dresses, ruffled skirts, bold coats and many more.
6. Louis Vuitton – This season sees the first ever collection by ex-Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière who has stepped in as the French fashion house’s new Creative Director, taking over Marc Jacobs’ role. A sharp and glossy blend of vintage and modern, Ghesquière focused more on an inverted silhouette featuring empire lines and babydoll styles in a classic yet timeless colour palette with shades of maroon, black, brown, mustard and blue.
7. Givenchy – Glamorous, dynamic and energetic, Givenchy’s collection this time round is much more feminine, with softer silhouettes and colours in play. It’s prominent that Creative Director Riccardo Tisci moved away from the street wear aesthetic the label always highlights, and Givenchy is given a more ladylike makeover. Our favourite picks would be the powerful yet simple fitted bodices paired with sheer black pleated skirts and the print on print flowy ensembles.
8. Valentino – Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli looked into 60s Italian pop art for the house’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Despite being girly, the entire collection packs a punch and features bold prints, florals, princess perfect gowns and dresses, multi-coloured dots. We love how the designers played with different patterns and textures, and the coherent collection definitely looks timeless.
9. Sonia Rykiel – Marking his third season, Geraldo da Conceicao’s collection is sleek, chic and sophisticated. The runway saw cosy and long wool coats, voluminous fur jackets and visible pockets on most pieces. The proportions and lengths for most of the pieces are a little man-like with squared shoulders and pants cropped at the ankle, but the whole collection is outstanding.
10. Miu Miu – Not straying far from the previous Spring/Summer season, Miu Miu is still quite ‘sports luxe’ and athletic. The label sent out a range of pastel coloured ski jackets, flirty miniskirts, bright PVC boots, lightweight tops, nylon vests and many more. We love the metallic finishes on some of the pieces, and the entire collection brought an air of seventies sportswear for the autumn and winter. Who’s complaining?
What were some of your favourite looks from PFW? Share your thoughts with us!
