Paris Is Over: Let's Talk About It

Paris Fashion Week is like the whipped cream they add on top of your sundae after multiple layers of chocolate sauce, 3 scoops, and maybe a few mixed nuts. In other words, it's the best part of fashion month and deserves to be savoured. For those of us who aren't running from show to show in the fashion capital (but studying for a math midterm), this savouring can be a challenge, but a necessary one that provides solace in times of high stress. Now, let's cease the chatter and talk Paris. We have some of our top designers in Paris who return every season with a mindblowing collection that never disappoints (regardless of numerous departures behind the scenes): Christian Dior (the powerful opener filled with equally powerful beauty looks to compliment some highly enviable outerwear), Chanel (the reinvention of tweed suits, romantic ruffles, and funky, yet elegant, equestrian hats), Giambattista Valli (the flirtatious mini dresses filled with ruffles and transparent accents), Balmain (glamour fit for the KardashaJenner in all of us), Givenchy (a hint of darkness for the rebel with a (fashion) cause), Valentino (the conservative brand that takes us back to the dark ages in a fresh and bright new way), Saint Laurent (the 80s throwback brand with major bad girl vibes), and Louis Vuitton (the grand conclusion that offers architecture in clothing that appeals to the structured woman in all of us). Some of the more under the radar brands include Kenzo (always offering some wild prints to tickle our fancy), Nina Ricci (presenting the powerful feminine figure with hourglass cuts), and Carven (offering wearable chic and effortless french fashions). There are many more I would mention if this weren't becoming a run-on list of fashion's top designers, but you get the gist. Paris is the motherload. Now, on to the reviews.

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Dior always opens Paris Fashion Week with a bang. As you may (or may not) know, Raf Simons has left the building and the brand was forced to reinvent itself without losing his very valuable touch (there's a reason this is the first show and we don't want that to change). Though this was a challenge, the show still presented a memorable collection featuring classic outerwear the brand is known for, some bold print choices, a vast array off-the-shoulder looks, this season's latest trend. As for beauty, the models added a dark edge to their soft Dior outfits with some black lipstick and heavy ear accessories. The low buns kept it classic and simple, drawing attention to the sophisticated pieces that descended the runway. Whether an oversized double-breasted coat or a loose off-the-shoulder dress, the collection kept that effortless Parisian look alive while still adding some creative prints for extra flavour.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 28

via vogue.com

ALEXIS MABILLE

Every time I review the fashion month collections, there's always one that present a series of looks I would simply love to wear. It's not about the show or the art or the intricate detailing on each look. Rather, it's about my closet and personal taste in fashion. In Paris, the collection that offered exactly what I was looking for was Alexis Mabille. Don't be mistaken, this does not mean it was boring. That is downright offensive to myself and the designer. First of all, I learned how to tie a scarf in an elaborate and unusual way. I also learned how to simultaneously be blond and brunette and how to pull off very flashy flared pants (it's clear the skinny jean is dying and I may actually require this skill in future). Reasons I loved this collection? There were many statement accessories to capture my attention (including some big necklaces that stood out yet blended with the clothing in some strange way), there were plenty of ruffled necklines to make the little girl in me smile, and some pieces looked a little like haute pyjamas (which I'm quickly warming up to). Predominant colours? Pink and navy. It's evident, darkness and light played a huge role in this collection. Can I have all of it, please?

FAVOURITE LOOK: 17

via vogue.com

CHANEL (duh)

As much as I hate being predictable, I really do love Chanel. Karl's collection probably resurfaces a lot in my reports because frankly, he's a bit of a genius. This wasn't my favourite from the designer, but I love the layers and layers of pearls that complimented every single look and of course, the whimsical hats. I'm not quite sure whimsical is the word Karl would have used, but let's face it, they looked like a blend of equestrian and bike helmut. One notable accessory? (other than the hats) The rainboots! Who doesn't love a chic pair of rainboots for Fall to compliment your fuchsia Chanel skirt? It's clear, high heels are not part of the Chanel vocabulary and frankly, the heavy jewelry and tailored pink suits are feminine enough to make a stiletto highly unnecessary. After all, wasn't Mademoiselle Chanel all about the practicality? And nothing is more practical than a pair of knee-high rain boots (or even just your basic leather equestrian boot).

FAVOURITE LOOK: 87

via vogue.com

CARVEN

Another underrated brand at Paris Fashion Week? Carven. Perhaps it's the Doctor Jeckyll to my miss Hyde, but as much as I love a good bow and frill a la Chanel, Carven reinvigorates my masculine side and makes me want to wear bomber jackets and slouchy black pants. This entire collection was fit for the sexy tomboy who will rock a mini every now and then, but is in her element in a bright coloured bomber in her favourite sports team's colours (or maybe she just likes colour). Though my favourite looks were a tad girly (I must confess), a classic coat with a white fur collar and fitted purple mini dress, I couldn't help being drawn to a certain oversized sweater and cropped grey pants. Let's just say the tomboy in me woke up and yearned to add a little gamine twist to my ever so girly ruffles and lace. One thing to retain from all this? Shearling's the word for Fall 2016. So, spread it.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 16

via vogue.com

ELIE SAAB

Elie Saab always feels predictable to me with the long lace embellished dresses fit for a red carpet starlet, but for once I can say that this collection felt entirely different. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of long gowns, but the lace was a little more black boudoir (a little less pastel pretty) and the cuts were slightly more sexy and flowy (a little less conservative). It was Elie Saab revamped for the girl who leaves the party in a biker jacket and doesn't hesitate to rock a floppy boho chic hat to her next black tie event. Some of my favourite looks included a flowy bohemian dress in a tie-dye print worn by none other than Kendall Jenner and a sparkling black mini dress worn with a very large hat I cannot stop obsessing over. It seems the designer is becoming a little more rock n' roll, a little less princess. Or perhaps a rock n' roll princess? Needless to say, I loved him even more for it. And also because there were so many ruffles.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 14

via vogue.com

Which collection was your favourite at Paris Fashion Week? Was it one of these or perhaps a unmentioned one like Balmain or Giambattista Valli? 

Ponder it,

Bella

Still Talking About Couture Week

If you missed Couture Week, you're in luck. I am about to review the top five must-watch shows. Are you paying attention? Good. Right before you sit back, relax, and sign in to Vogue Runway (you're ultimate fashion week guide) to keep tabs on Fashion Month, you get to enjoy Couture Week and fantasize about every look you wish you had hanging inside your closet (or about attending the Oscars in one of those dresses). From the romantic Giambattista Valli to the spectacle at Chanel, Couture Week is a dream-like experience featuring such a wide selection of looks that it becomes almost undefinable. Couture is a runway of artwork and unlike ready-to-wear, it possesses the magical powers to seduce each and every one of us. Every dress invites you to discover its details with wonder and bewilderment as you become immersed in the catwalk. Now, are you ready to review?

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER

It may be almost 30 minutes long, triple the time of your average runway show, but when it comes to Jean-Paul Gaultier, every minute is worth it. While I still feel nostalgic for the days of ready-to-wear, it's undeniable that Gaultier's strongest asset is la Haute Couture. Every runway show he presents tells an elaborate story and if you've ever seen one of his shows, you'll know that the spectacle is directly related to his own fun-loving personality. Now, let's get to the point, shall we? This show began with a wide array of models in fancy sleepwear for the rich. Some of the features included gold lame and traditional bedtime stripes, but the show was anything but traditional. It gleamed and sparkled like the two-piece outfits on the runway and show-pony chapeaux to match. The models walked down the runway with sass and a bag-girl attitude only suitable at a Gaultier show. It was all very "rock n' roll diva who stayed out very late at a Studio 54 party", demonstrated by the models with cigarettes hanging off their dramatic pouts. Everything was loud and vibrant with 70's deep V's and bralets that added much sex appeal. How do I score this one? I'd say 8/10. I've seen wilder Gaultier, but this definitely kept his fervor intact.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 36

via Vogue.com

VALENTINO

What can I say about Valentino that hasn't been said before? It is the definition of romantic, demure, and totally nostalgic for a time where high necklines and an elegant bodice were what people wore every single day. It perfectly encapsulates the mood we're all currently feeling by taking us back to the past, to a time where living in a castle was totally legit. It felt like an episode of Game of Thrones with Medieval headgear and velvet galore. There were several deep-V necklines, but somehow it came off as innocent and majestic rather than provocative in a Jean-Paul Gaultier type of way. For the most part, the colours remained earthy with some Roman goddess white numbers to take note of (notably looks 43 through 46). While the collection may seem dated to you, it's traditionalism is exactly what makes it fit so well with our nostalgia. Just turn on your television and you'll see that it's all about our history, an escape from selfies and smartphones. And I must say, even though I watched the show on social media, my mind was fully in tune with Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the brains behind the collection.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 4

via Vogue.com

 CHRISTIAN DIOR

We may have lost Raf Simons at Dior, but the brand is still true to the original designer with an underlying feeling that Raf's influence is still very much present. The collection was feminine and sweet with flared hems and colourful prints that embodied the strong artistic influence at Dior. One of the dominant Spring 2016 trends made an appearance throughout the show: bare shoulders. Is it safe to say we may be spotting this one during awards season this year? Jennifer Lawrence, I'm looking at you. A few other characteristically girly touches were the ruffles, sheerness, and giant bows tied at the feet. Nothing captures Dior better than a classy stiletto heel with a hint of ooh-la-la. While most of the collection portrayed a strong sense of femininity, the oversized jackets and vests added some masculine edge to the collection. But rather than appearing out of place, they felt empowering in contrast with the softer looks. Raf may be gone, but his legacy lives on and so does Christian Dior's. This was only a hint of what's to come and I'm eager to discover the new touches that will be introduced to the brand during Paris Fashion Week.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 6

via Vogue.com

CHANEL
Chanel would have to be one of the most highly anticipated shows at Couture Week. First of all, Karl Lagerfeld always manages to deliver nothing short of perfection regardless of how many collections he's scheduled to present. While Valentino brought a Game of Thrones touch to its runway, Chanel inspired itself from Star Wars with Princess Leia hairdos to compliment dramatic stage makeup. Though the beauty presentation may have been intense and theatrical, the clothing was anything but. Keeping the Chanel vision alive, Karl had his models walk the runway in classy suits in sophisticated colours like navy blue and white. The necklines were high and the hemlines were low, drawing attention to the details on each elaborate garment. Some of those details included Karl's customary fanny packs and flower motif buttons. As the show progressed, the materials got flowier and softer, appealing to our romantic side. What remained the same was the class and sophistication of every look, whether it contained a feathered skirt or a hint of sparkle. As per Lagerfeld style, comfort was key when it came to the footwear. Rather than put the models in sneakers, this season, they wore the black and white Chanel shoe with a grass-friendly wedge for your neighborly garden party. Now, I don't know about you, but I am ready for some hors d'oeuvres in the garden right about now.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 68

via Vogue.com

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
While Chanel may be the most well-known and consequently, sought after, Couture collection, Giambattista Valli speaks to my soul and his collections, ready-to-wear and couture alike, never fail to capture my heart. Each piece is consistently beautiful with ruffled accents on sweet mini dresses and floral prints that can only make you think of a field of flowers on a bright sunny day. The textures at Giabattista Valli make you want to reach out and touch them through your computer screen as you watch each model cascade down the runway. While the show began with shorter hemlines, it took a turn halfway through with a few longer and fuller skirts (namely looks 16 and 18). At this point, we entered into the realm of black and white juxtaposed to create an image of a sweet girl with a hint of edge. The black cape dress on look 24 was a personal favourite of mine because it encapsulated the dark and romantic theme perfectly. And of course, it wouldn't be a Valli show without some extravagant tulle dresses at the very end that have developed into his personal signature.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 9

via Vogue.com

Eager to watch the full shows? Don't forget to check them out via YouTube along with Vogue.com. Then, I'd love to know which was your favourite. Was it Valli or Valentino? Or maybe it was Versace?

Ponder it,

Bella