Haute Style: Paris Fashion Week Part 1

With so many big name designers currently showing at Paris Fashion Week, it is difficult to know where to look. Beautiful collections have been unveiled by Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Comme Des Garcons, Ann Demeulemeester, Balmain, Viktor & Rolf, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Christian Dior, and John Galliano.

Christian Dior:

Not quite finished with the equestrian theme he explored for Dior’s couture, John Galliano picked up where he left off in January in English riding country, this time with the words and lifestyle of an 18th-century libertine poet in mind: “Since ’tis nature’s law to change, constancy alone is strange.” Galliano was in his element, plundering the wardrobe of the debauched aristocrat and bawdy poet, complete with hats designed by London’s Stephen Jones. He layered pretty, playful pieces, such as silk blouses, fur vests, cavalry jackets & waistcoats and riding pants with ruffled dresses, which felt both romantic and retro. The French Minister of Finance, Christine Lagarde, and the actress, Charlize Thereon, were among the front-row line-up applauding as Galliano’s “little libertines” made the final catwalk parade.

Givenchy:

Even in Paris, the collections scaled back to sportswear. Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci initially seemed to mimic this notion as he opened show with a series of spare, boxy coats in neutrals and black, but he soon moved onto strong and confident pieces, making this collection into sexy sportif. Moving between structured panels on dresses and some fluffed wispy feathers gave the entire line a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that was intoxicating.

Celine:

Influential designer Phoebe Philo’s latest collection for Céline was a minimalist extension of her successful Spring show. Philo managed the perfect balance of modernity, ease, and youthful sophistication (a look similarly found in the latest Stella McCartney collection). Her clothes were clean, forward-looking classics, with slim- tailoring, presented in a palette of navy, black, olive and ivory. With so many eyes on Philo, and her personal brand of modern luxe sportswear, these pieces will be must-have adds to your fall wardrobe.

John Galliano:

John Galliano moved away from the English gentry he drew on for Dior collection and delivered a fantastical exotic collection inspired by nomadic and warrior-women. Galliano borrowed from such as regions as Egypt, Turkey and England, to create jumbles of ethnic pilings, among which were some real wearable things. It included everything from stiff embroidered skirts to heavy fur coats, flannel military jackets, floral harem pants and embroidered skirts. Always one for theatrics, Galliano took his bow at the conclusion of his own show, wearing full “brigand chieftain” costume, complete with a dagger in his belt.

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Images Courtesy of WWD