It might sound superfluous to say that Paris Fashion Week was every bit as fabulous as its predecessors, but it was. Four weeks of fashion finery came to a close on October 2 and, while we should be tired of all things runway, we’re not even close – and we’re willing to bet you’re not either.
It was a week of showmanship and dramatics, some of which more welcome than others. Did you miss the topless protest at Nina Ricci, or the Cite du Cinema location at Kenzo? Fear not, because we’ve got the highlights covered…
CHLOÉ
Chloé came over all Indiana Jones on us, with a desert twist to the S/S14 collection. A mixture of pastels and sandy tones complemented loose garments such as maxis and tunics. The wide fit of the collection didn’t distract from the label’s usual sophisticated look. Creative Director Clare Waight Keller didn’t transform the typical Chloé girl, but merely gave her persona an air of adventure. The occasional appearance of a sheer fabric or a low-cut neckline added a racy edge to the show.
LANVIN
Metallic and patents, paired with a 1960s flair, gave the impression we were watching a strange, but wonderful, mixture of Mad Men and Back To The Future. That said, Lanvin’s S/S14 collection was as wonderful as it was daring. Having never been a wallflower kind of label, the evening dresses further cemented Lanvin’s reputation for showmanship with sultry satins, mermaid skirts and cake-like-tiers.
KENZO
Kenzo is renowned for its bold prints and wild designs so, naturally, the setting had to measure up to its reputation – and film director Luc Besson’s new studio complex, Cite du Cinema, did just that. On a sleepy Sunday morning, the Parisian suburb of St Denis was taken over by fashion royalty, who gathered to witness Kenzo’s ocean-inspired collection. It was all about waves, stripes and airy fabrics. A hint of environmental politics took to the runway, with globe earrings and a sweatshirt emblazoned with the slogan, ‘No Fish, No Nothing.’
NINA RICCI
Nina Ricci’s show was marred by the impromptu appearance of two female activists, who took to the runway topless, with feminist slogans scrawled across their chests in marker pen. They screamed “Fashion fascism”, while waving their hands in front of style icons Olivia Palermo and Anna Dello Russo. But somehow, in the midst of the demonstration, Ricci’s clothes still managed to steal the show. Floaty fabrics, ladylike florals and risqué sheers made the collection angelic, but with a seductive edge.
BALMAIN
With a collection so bling it would put Mr T to shame, Balmain gave us an eighties-style revival. Gold chains, bomber jackets and houndstooth adorned some of the hottest models in fashion including Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Georgia May Jagger and Edie Campbell. The French label has added an element of architecture to its garments, under the lead of Creative Director Olivier Rousteing. Pale hues, crisp whites and plenty of quilting made for a fresh, yet funky show.
MANISH ARORA
Showing a childlike charm infused with grown up eccentricity, Manish Arora went bold with his S/S14 collection. The Indian designer used neons and pastels in quirky prints to create an eccentric look. Some of the jumpers resembled jazzed up Christmas sweaters, but unusual design and pops of colour gave a high-fashion edge. Geometric shapes and Aztec patterns were prominent in the collection, proving that these popular prints will continue to reign supreme throughout the new season.
To view the Manish Arora show, watch here:
Images: Getty, Chloe, Lanvin and Manish Arora
