Paris Fashion Week: A’s Top Picks

Ah, Paris…how this Fashion Week made me miss you.  Parisians understand more than perhaps anyone else that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and their sense of fashion embodies that in every way.  Although I’ve visited there just once, it is a trip that will forever have a special place in my heart.  Ok, enough of the dramatics (however true they may be). Paris Fashion Week did indeed invigorate my fashion senses, especially after such a dismal Milan.  Therefore, I give you my top three favorites, in no particular order.

 

1.  Lanvin

As style.com’s Tim Blanks put it, “You can tell how Alber Elbaz likes his women from the new Lanvin show.  She starts out proper as a preacher, and she ends up in full-on party girl mode.”  While most women wouldn’t prefer to be referred to as “proper as a preacher”, in this case I will take it as a compliment.  Working with the ultra-tricky fabric gazar, Elbaz was able to create structured pieces that still looked comfortable.  He provided neutrals and color, and just the right amount of bedazzlement.  My favorite looks are below, but the entire collection is here.

These were my top two looks from the “preacher” portion of the show, and I think it’s really the hat that makes the entire concept.  The first is much more of a direct interpretation, but the second is just pure chicness.  Seriously, with the full-length gloves and the ankle boots, does it get much more fabulous?

This look was a bit of a departure from the rest of the collection, but I had to include it.  It’s just plain gorgeous, totally wearable and that pop of white-blonde hair almost drove me to go pick up a box of the shade from my local Walgreen’s.  You see what you do to me, Paris?

Ok, to quote a horribly overused term in the world of fashion, I die for those shoes in the last picture.  Seriously, I hate to admit it, but I really do die for them.  And do you see what I meant earlier about the party girl?  These bursts of color were a welcome jolt to the Lanvin show, and ones that I would happily add to my wardrobe, preferably before I die.  From the shoes, remember?

 

2.  Nina Ricci

It’s no secret that my favorite styles lean towards the ultra feminine and just plain pretty.  Nina Ricci’s Peter Copping could not have achieved my fashion ideals with any more grace or perfection.  I’m sure that’s exactly what he was hoping for, as well.  There were gathered necklines, similar to the high ones we saw in Milan, as well as a fantastic powder blue color that is fresh and fantastic for Fall.  Check it out below, or its entirety here!

These first two looks might be more suited for Spring, but I love them nonetheless.  The use of embellishment along the bottom of the first look perfectly translates to the neckline on the second dress.  And please indulge yourself in the fantastic lace-up heels worn by Arizona Muse.

The neckline on the first look was inspired by historical portraits and paintings, and the evening gown is just plain wonderful.  I love that the material is naturally a little crinkled, so no need to worry about a steamer.  The tulle at the front is such an interesting addition, I think we will no doubt be seeing this on some celebrity red carpet very soon.

 

3.  Yves Saint Laurent

Ok, if you read my Spring Break Swimsuit article, you know I love me some white, and YSL had that wonderful shade in spades.  But beyond just the colors, there were structured shoulders, strong fur coats, and multiple dresses that wowed when they came down the runway.  Stefano Pilati has absolutely nailed it with this one, delicately walking the fine line between YSL’s past and it’s future.  The whole show is here, or just trust my favorites below.

New twists on old favorites.  I love the cropped pant in the first look, and the bright color of the second breathes new life into an otherwise standard outfit.  And YSL proves that all you need is a pair of knee high boots to take a took from blah to bold.

And so begins the parade of white.  Seriously, seriously fantastic, and such a bold color to wear in fall or winter.  I love the off-the shoulders look in the first, and the second is so chic with the trouser pants and gold chain link belt.  I had to include the back of the last outfit as well, since it completes the whole thing perfectly.

Tell me what you agree with, and where I was blinded by my love for Paris.  I deserve to know! 🙂

 

XO,

A