Paris: The City of Lights And Elaborate Headwear

Paris Fashion Week is the one week in the year that I look forward to most. It is also the most challenging to condense into five collections because almost all of my favorite designers are in Paris. From Hedi Slimane to Karl Lagerfeld to the dynamic duo at Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, these talented designers consistently go above and beyond my expectations. This season, Karl Lagerfeld took us to Cafe Gabrielle with models sipping tea in classic tweed suits. At Moncler Gamme Rouge, Giambattista Valli transported his audience to a riding show featuring models in riding caps and a finale of soldiers wearing head-to-toe red military suits and furry hats. Valentino was the star of the season due to a grand finale of Derek Zoolander and Hansel having a catwalk face-off. Keeping his trademark intact, Hedi Slimane was all about the dangerous bad girl who could care less about her reputation. McQueen was all about the wild hair and bondage inspired dresses and Giambattista Valli was infused with whimsical prints and girly frills. Though I was inspired by many of these collections, I chose five favorites to discuss today. However, I recommend it to everyone to check out all the shows on YouTube and Style.com. It was definitely a week to remember.

Let's review.

CARVEN

Carven was revived this season by Artistic Director, Guillaume Henry, who offered a fresh take on the brand. The statement piece was a disc necklace featured on many looks as the standout accessory. The show began with a lace white blouse and wraparound lilac mini skirt to introduce a feminine collection with mod vibes. Another reason I loved it? It seemed like everything was catered to a petite frame. From the skintight high-waisted pants in every colour to the cropped jackets, this was a fantasy for short girls everywhere. Though the models walked in loafers for the most part, the pants offered the illusion of height that petite ladies can only dream of. Will I be converting to flats? Probably not. But this collection made it something to consider. 

FAVOURITE LOOK: 15

via style.com

CARVEN SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEBfxePeiLE

VALENTINO

What do you get when you combine 80s music, two of everyone's fashion heroes from the 90s, and 60s geometric prints? A Valentino blast from the past salad. This year, Valentino took a turn for the retro without taking us as far back in time as they usually do. The designers began their show with basic monochromatic looks with prison stripes as the dominant print. There were some bold printed dresses topped with elegant floor-length fur coats and of course, the traditional Valentino lace and sheer paneling. But the real shining moment was when Derek and Hansel from Zoolander hit the stage and became the biggest newsmakers at Paris Fashion Week. It was definitely a show to remember.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 43

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VALENTINO SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHg59JR31ho

MONCLER GAMME ROUGE

Moncler Gamme Rouge was fashion month's grand finale and Giambattista Valli made sure it was a memorable one. From the moment his first model surfaced out of the mist in riding gear, we knew this was going to be way more theatrical than we are used to from the designer. Though the theme was consistent throughout the show, there were still some standout pieces I am dying to wear. From the white furry skirt to the oh-so-chic plastic raincoat and some mini neck scarves, I was absolutely smitten with this collection. Once again, mini skirts were the bottom of choice topped with matching jackets in tweed prints. Red was the colour of the moment and we found out why at the grand finale when a line of soldiers clad in red suits and furry hats walked onto the runway to welcome back the models. This show reminded us all that Giambattista Valli is a force to be reckoned with along the lines of, dare I say it, Lagerfeld himself. By placing him at the very end, they proved that he's just as worth waiting for as the legendary Marc Jacobs. Not bad, Valli. Not bad at all.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

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MONCLER GAMME ROUGE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrCMmpweyHM

ELIE SAAB

Elie Saab may have finally gotten the memo that his collections look a little too much alike. Taking on a darker turn this season starting with his backdrop mimicking a dark forest, the designer went from floor-length lace dresses to black minis and military jumpsuits. The show began with earth tones to reflect his inspiration, a natural landscape in a dark atmosphere. Some colourful floral prints were introduced towards the middle of the show that may inspire some celebrities on the Red Carpet. Saab took an edgier route with leather and cutout dresses, but maintained a girly image with his flared cuts and some floor-length flowy looks. Though this was a new approach for the designer, there were still enough Red Carpet looks to satisfy an audience anticipating that particular style. He managed to keep it fresh without tarnishing his image. Well done, Elie Saab.

FAVOURITE LOOK:

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ELIE SAAB SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJQ1htzKZxI

CHANEL

This year's Chanel show was an ode to the original designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel from the theme, Cafe Gabrielle, to the tweeds and pearls that dripped on the models. The best part? An ultra classy hairband with the double C's at the back of the head that nobody can stop talking about. This may have been my favorite Chanel collection in a very long time. Though I'm not usually one to be decked in head-to-toe tweed, these suits were gorgeous and unique, inviting me to explore the trend. Each one was entirely different, whether a monochrome look or with a touch of pink, and combined with the classic Chanel black and nude pump, it was nothing short of perfection. The Girl bag made its debut, a handbag in the shape of a buttoned cardigan that I hope to see on our favourite celebrities in the near future (*cough *cough Blake Lively). Let's not forget to mention the wide variety of interesting coats, whether a puffer that took puffy to another level, a cape, or a draped over the shoulders #forthesakeoffashion jacket, each one had its own personality to suit the wearer. With Cara's final twirl at the end and a small smile from Karl Lagerfeld, this show made everyone a little giddy and nothing has that effect quite like a Chanel runway.

FAVOURITE LOOK:81

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CHANEL SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKPRfbxUNXQ

Which show was your favourite this year?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Couture Week: A Whimsical Romance

As we enter Paris Couture Week, we're taken into a fantastical realm with a collection of dresses fit for a princess from a fairytale romance. As it ends slightly too quickly, we feel like we've reached the end of a tale as old as time and occasionally, we may shed a tear. The soft music pulls us into this world that has brought our vivid imaginations to life due to the creativity of some of our favourite designers. In many ways, Couture is better than Ready-to-Wear because it takes us back to the origins of fashion when that was all that existed and women dressed extravagantly every day. This year, we were taken back in time with Valentino, transported into a natural paradise with Chanel, caught in a maze of beautiful colours with Dior, immersed inside a world of romance with Giambattista Valli, and sprinkled with sparkle at Elie Saab. What did they all have in common? We could pictures ourselves in every outfit standing before our Prince Charming as he accosts us in his horse-drawn carriage. 
Let's review, shall we?

VALENTINO

From the braided updos to the frilly necklines, Valentino took us to another era, one more akin to Downton Abbey or The Knight's Templar. As usual, this collection was all about the elegance of the past with brocade prints, long hemlines, and peasant blouses. It was ladylike in an old-fashioned way that we wish still existed. Some velvet gowns stood out, particularly one in a rich red hue with a cape that added to its regal quality. Some subtle shades of beige were integrated to the collection, bringing us back to 19th century England, back when lovely maidens would frolic in the fields. A few romantic patterns were introduced as well on some of the final dresses, including flowers, clouds, and words from a love letter to Romeo. Evidently, these two designers were in a very nostalgic mood, longing for the golden days of romance before dating apps and hook-up culture ever existed.

My Favourite Look: 46

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CHANEL

Is there really a Couture show we look forward to more than Chanel? Probably not. We can always expect extravagance from Karl, something unusual that we never imagined possible. He dives into his imagination every year and stuns his audience with an awe-inspiring show. This year, that something was a garden of Eden of sorts with paper flowers in bright spring colours at the center of the runway. The show began with a young man in a straw hat watering this lovely garden as models in wide rim hats began to appear in bold shades of blue, yellow, and pink Chanel tweed. There were some beanies as well, but not the beanies we are accustomed to seeing on the streets of winter. These beanies were in pretty pale pink with a net to shield the eyes. What followed was a series of monochrome looks that took us back to the days of Coco, the woman who invented the LBD as we know it today. What was new? Some cropped blazers and blouses were a predominant look as well as an abundance of floral appliques, a popular style choice this season. Ruffles and sparkle were added to this feminine mix, making this collection the ultimate woman's dream. And of course, the show ended with a drool worthy wedding gown. Are you as smitten as I am?

Favourite Look: 38

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CHRISTIAN DIOR

This year, the Christian Dior collection consisted of the perfect combination of sexy, with thigh high patent leather boots in a variety of colours from blood red to mustard yellow, and ladylike, with A-line skirts taking us back to the New Look of yore. The vibrant prints came in a wilder form than usual with stripes and florals taking center stage as well as abstract head-to-toe whimsical looks in shades of orange, blue, and yellow. Regardless of the abundance of geometric prints, this collection kept the classic Dior silhouette intact with the full skirts of the 50's and the mini dresses of 60's splattered throughout the show. Bright shades of yellow, orange, and green emboldened this runway alive with artistic fervor. Let's not forget to mention the elaborate embroidery on many of these looks that teased the eyes and awakened all of our senses. Raf Simons may have taken a risk with this collection, but it was definitely a step in a more modern direction.

Favourite Look: 54

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ELIE SAAB

Whether you're a celebrity or a commoner (as I am), Elie Saab is every woman's Red Carpet dream. After all, who doesn't love beading and sparkle? Like at Chanel, we saw some bold floral prints, but this time, on sheer beige dresses. We were taken to an enchanted forest where you could feel the romance in the air, particularly with some of the final looks resembled water colour paintings, creating the illusion of a flower garden. As always, there were many dresses we'd love to see on celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett at this year's Oscars. Lucky for us, the event is coming up in a few weeks and I can already envision a number of these pastel dresses making an appearance. With glamorous retro waves, some silver and some gold, as well as a few feathers, any of these looks would make for bold choices that can't go wrong. As usual, Elie Saab knows how to make women dream.

Favourite Look: 17

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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

One of my own personal favourites, Giambattista Valli, never fails to impress. This season, he kept his feminine touch throughout the collection with his traditional pale pink, yellow, off-white, and black combo, while adding a little touch of darkness. With black hair nets, black bows, and sheer black skirts over black pants, this collection felt more like a dark fantasy in an enchanted forest of mystery. The full skirts, floral appliques, and flamboyant tulle, kept it girly and romantic as per Giambattista Valli's style. Even the soft french voice seduced us as we watched each model walk the runway in embroidered dresses with sheer paneling and frilly details. This designer proved that skirts over pants is the new normal and our traditional perception of the princess dress can be reshaped to suit our modern imagination. Pink fur, anyone? 

Favourite Look: 9

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These are some of my top picks for Paris Couture Week this year. Which shows were your favourites?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Au Revoir, Paris

Paris Fashion Week has come to an end and it's time for us to say our goodbyes to Spring 2015 and face the music. It's actually almost winter. If this brings you down, just remember that you can always go on YouTube and take a revised look at your favourite shows to reminisce. Let's face it, Paris is always worth looking at more than once. At Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent Paris, we were brought back to the MOD era with mini skirts and bold metallics. At Chanel, we experienced another spectacular show with a message that transported us to the hippie 70s. Elie Saab and Giambattista Valli brought us that femininity we all know and love that resonates with their brands, while Balmain kept it edgy to satisfy our darker side. Each collection brought back its own unique personality with a new twist. Many of the collections were familiar, yet refreshing to our saturated fashion minds. As per tradition, I shall analyze and observe the five collections I loved the most.

Here they are:

SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent is my favourite collection because it always projects this rock n' roll meets school girl vibe that resonates with me. From the enchanting music to the swivelling colours, the show was mesmerizing on so many levels. Hedi Slimane used fabrics suitable to an Haute Couture show on simple outfits you'd see every day. That's the sign of a true master. From the sequins to the glitter, it could've been a hot mess, but it was anything but. It was all about that rebel who couldn't give a damn whether or not she looks put together, but that's exactly her charm. My two favourite elements of this show? The classic black Saint Laurent hats and those platform wedges (Oh. Em. Gee). Based on Hedi Slimane and Tom Ford, the platforms are about to get even higher, so get ready. Hedi's use of leather and suede created an edgy vibe along with the glamorous use of furs and leopard print. His ability to mix prints blew my mind as everything came together in one unique composition. He took us to the 70s with androgynous pinstriped pants and micro-minis. It was all so glamorous with that Parisian "I don't care" attitude that makes it the best fashion city on the globe. Ooh La La.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 44

The mix of prints from the neck scarf to the blazer had me contemplating never matching again. Who needs to match when you can mix and match? But to be completely honest, I just really loved this leather skirt and that made the whole outfit perfect in my eyes.

VALENTINO

Every season, the Valentino collections takes us through a fashion timeline and we get to travel to an era were decadence was everything. Don't you wish that reflected real life? There were many bold prints at Valentino along with some classier monochrome outfits in lighter shades. Some lovely white lace dresses followed in flowy cuts that looked beyond comfortable and adaptable to a modern lifestyle. The shoes were a particularly interesting aspect of the show that brought us to ancient Greece, reminding us all that we are goddesses (especially in Valentino). Rather than displaying an array of floor-length dresses, Valentino brought us some more minis this year, which seems to be a trend amongst designers. Some side-boob made the cut, preparing us to see some more of it in the coming year on our favourite celebrities, but the overall collection remained tasteful and divine. There was such a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the show that played with the eye and couldn't be anything but beautiful. It was Valentino with a modern twist.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 26

Though I am not usually a fan of such a busy print, I loved that the designers weren't afraid to add a pop of colour to an outfit swallowed in prints. They took a risk and it worked beautifully.

MAXIME SIMOENS

The first thing that sold me during this show was that first crop top that said #colourful is the new black. Not only did it use the modern hashtag, but it also resonated with me because it used one of my favourite fashion cliches with a message I fully support. The collection defined sport luxe with stripes as the reigning print on short sets and shift dresses. Some more feminine looks were also present, particularly a bold flared orange dress and a colourful skirt that went with the theme. There was a sleeveless long blue vest, I wish I could purchase right off the bat because it happens to be in my favourite colour and super freaking cool. The looks were wearable and sophisticated with a message: you don't have to wear black to be chic. As a big fan of the shift dress, there were definitely a bunch I'd love to own. Overall, I'd say it was a great success.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 18

I loved this particular look for reasons stated above. Blue is my favourite colour and a girl who wears a cape obviously owns the room.

ELIE SAAB

Though Elie Saab sticks to that same sophisticated and feminine look every season, it remains a favourite of mine. I always know I'm going to want every piece in the collection. This season, some more colourful pieces added some flavour to the collection in bold prints on high-low flowy dresses and some shifts. For those who like a more monochromatic look, there were some amazing jumpsuits in pastel shades and black with lace detailing and draping fabric. The block clutches were particularly notable and a major selling point for the collection. Lace was still the fabric of choice, but it was explored in new ways that helped Elie Saab renew its image. As usual, there are many looks I'd love to see on the Red Carpet, one of which was a beautiful printed dress with a deep v. Some of the ombre numbers with high slits were also stunning Red Carpet options. Evidently, I always think of Elie Saab in terms of Red Carpet because that's what he does best and this season, he definitely delivered.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 35

This look was my favourite because there was something sporty about it, but yet, it still radiated femininity. Any look that can juxtapose the two is a winner in my book.

CHANEL

What is a runway? According to Karl Lagerfeld, it is a flexible term that he redefines season after season. Last spring, it was your local supermarket, and this year, it was the revolutionary streets in Paris. Rather than having models strut down the runway in a traditional one-by-one linear formation, they walked as a unified whole as they presented each selection of looks. The show began with some androgynous pinstriped suits in the classic Chanel tweed. Bits of colour were incorporated on blouses that brought us back to the hippie era where colour reigned supreme. Though Karl maintained the Chanel image with the tweed looks, he still added his own flavour with his integration of colour, a selection of military looks, and some very interesting clutches with the Chanel logo hanging on a chain. Some pieces felt like couture with their intricate beading and yet, I felt like this fit smoothly into a ready-to-wear collection due to that classic structural appeal a la Coco. Some beautiful metallics were also a major part of this collection, particularly in terms of accessories It was one of the most wearable collections, but still maintained that originality that defines Karl. It was everything we hoped for and more, including a few loudspeakers and some banners.

FAVOURITE LOOK:49

I loved this particular looked because it felt very Coco Chanel with that Karl attitude that I can't get enough of. The jacket was one of my favourite pieces in the show and don't even get me started on the loafers.

All images via Style.com.

So farewell Paris Fashion Week. What was your favourite collections? 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella