PFW 2011: Neutrals and Nipples

Ok, so the title doesn’t EXACTLY describe Paris Fashion Week, but hopefully we got a chuckle or two out of you.  Seriously though, there were a lot of nipples out there, and since everybody has a pair of their own, there’s no need to get all huffy…it’s just nipples!  (Sorry, Mom!)  Once again, we’ve pored over every show, searched high and low for the trends, and present them to you today in a nice and neat numbered list.  Enjoy!

 

1.  Metallics

This is one trend that has been fairly rampant throughtout all of fashion month, but that we really haven’t discussed because it left us wondering “When did metallics go out of style?” However, Paris brought us some especially modern way to wear metallics, and we felt that the discussion of all things shiny and fabulous must be brought to the Paris fashion week table.

Let me propose a study in quantity in two great looks from Balmain.

This looks shows no subtlety in the area of meatallics, but yet its so beautiful and wearable. While I’m not in love with the big whit boots, how incredible would this look with a spiked black heel in lieu of a cocktail dress? Of course, the blazer and cropped pants are totally wearable as separates, and as so, are even wearable during the day time.

This look from Balmain is far more subtle, but a great way to wear metallics if you’re not so into extreme literal flashiness. This waistcoat would look amazing paired over a simple black turtleneck and black skinnies for a daytime Parisian chic look.

Of course, we saw metallics at other shows as well. We liked the flashes of gold leggings at Hermes and Sacai. They looked decidedly less American Apparel, and much more luxe when tucked into a metallic sandal.

2.  Androgeny

This Fall and Winter we want our coats with a little bit of androgenous tailoring. Feminine takes on menswear have been nowhere near uncommon, but we really found some of the takes on proportions interesting at Hussein Chalayan and Limi Feu, respectively.

We loved what Style.com’s Tim Blanks said about Limi Feu. He said “The symbiosis between mens- and womenswear is the oldest fashion story ever told, but it’s been coming on sledgehammer-strong for Fall. Limi Feu‘s show was proof that the Japanese have an instinctive head start on the trend.”

3.  Black, Black, and more Black. With a side of beige!

Please don’t take the title to assume we are fed up with neutrals this season.  In fact, quite the opposite, since Parisian designers managed to used various fabrics, blended into pieces, to create basic pieces that felt so much more impactful.  While we loved the fact that black dominated the runways, we also loved the appearance of white, creams, and beiges to insure that this Fall/Winter will be very warm indeed.

This cocktail dress at Elie Saab is wonderfully made, with the nude heels, and just the right amount of sparkle.

Chanel was all black, white, and grunge.  Not that we’re complaining since it turned out sort of fantastic.  Hats off to Karl Lagerfield for going out on a limb a bit…as far as we’re concerned it paid off big time.

When Zac Posen’s evening wear strutted all the way down the runway, we literally got chills.  Gray is such a beautiful color, and with the intricate pleating and interesting neckline we see here, it just got a little more sophisticated.

 

4.  The Cold Shoulder

When it comes to shoulder pads, A’s still a little on the fence.  But the fact of the matter is, we saw designers playing with strong shoulders, padded shoulders, interesting shapes for shoulders all week.  Some of these looks might not translate exactly to street style, but goodness was it fascinating to watch.

Miu Miu provided perhaps the most wearable shoulder pads of the week, invoking a vintage feel and in some ways revamping shoulder pads for a modern generation.  And if you’re still gagging at the thought, just direct your eyes to the gorgeous shoes in this look.

It’s no surprise that Lady Gaga’s shoulder horns made an appearance along with Gaga herself at the Mugler show.  And while this may have been the most toned-down look of the show, it was one of the few without the aforementioned nipples, so it makes an appearance here.

This collection for Rick Owens was actually toned down, but he still took some chances with the structure of his coats.  Some are dubbing them “angel army jackets”, but whatever you want to title them, you have to admit they are thought-provoking.

 

5.  Sheer genius

Sheer, light fabrics were everywhere on the runways, and while some chose to do a sexy see-through black top, others experimented with sheer skirts.  This look is edgy and fantasy all wrapped into one, and we can totally see ourselves rocking it.

We managed to find another nipple-less shot from Mugler, and we’re thrilled since his use of sheer blues, black, and white were absolutely awe-inspiring.  And a latex pencil skirt? Why not?

If you’re not digging the edgy side of sheer, Valentino provided lacey, slightly see-through boots, tops, and dresses that were stunning.  This is not your Grandmother’s lace.

Who would every have thought to wear sheer black on your bottom half?  Apparently Givenchy, since they showed 7 or 8 looks with this fitted skirt overlaid with a ruffled tiered skirt.  It’s pushing the boundaries of fashion, and for that we give it a thumbs up.