End result
I mustn’t forget to touch on Paris fashion week and the finale of fall 2007. The Paris shows received a resounding set of applause this year, with buyers and editors ohhing and ahhing over the plethora of wonderful offerings. The buzz on the street surrounds key trends like minimalism-futurism, androgyny, dark romance, chunky knits, leather, and techno fabrics. Styles that are sticking around: waist detail with belts and ties, volume (more!) and 1980s revival.
Hmm. Doesn’t this all sound familiar? I guess at this point fashion is becoming more of a historical reference with fresh accents. Clothing is continually being re-visited in new and unique ways. Which is cool, don’t get me wrong, but I’m starting to wonder if the wave of the future belongs to textile design and fabric technology because of the modern advances associated with them. I guess we’ll see. In any event, I still get excited thinking about fall (my favorite season for fashion and home) and all the delicious styles that await.
Here’s a breakdown of my favorites from France…
Martin Grant: An amazing talent and mastermind when it comes to cut and structure, this man is the king of coats. His fall collection is a celebration of silhouettes, both moving and timeless. I’m obsessed with the grape hue he’s interspersed throughout his neutrals. Rich, vibrant colors aren’t practical but they certainly are fun.
YSL: If you’re after a stunning black dress this season, then this is your collection. Stefano Pilati takes modern notes and new proportions (something we haven’t been seeing a lot of) and delivers them via short tulip hems, top volume, and a distinctive array of embellishments. It’s a forward-looking collection with a mature feeling; one both young and old will cheer for.
Chloe: Always a favorite of mine, this season Chloe introduces a new designer, Paulo Melim Andersson to the mix. The collection shouts and screams just like the funny-angry girl the designer created it for. And I like that. Gone are the vintage-inspired 1960 and 1970s pieces and in their place are vibrant oranges and blacks. A trend for sure, but not your typical Chloe. Sheaths are popular along with pattern, and I suspect customers will embrace the ease once they’ve gotten over the shock of something new.
Cacharel: I’ve always love Cacharel for it’s brilliant patterns and quirky pieces. And the direction this season is steady. Blue makes it’s appearance again in the form of shapeless dresses that are anything but frumpy. The clothes and the colors are moody, but the effect is lifting as belts and dainty patterns keep the look youthful and flirty.
Accessories. If you take a peek at the shows other star, the shoes, you’ll find that the styles have a direct punch. Platforms are tall, curved and stacked to the nine’s. Materials are huge. The feeling is a mix of 1980s wackiness with1990s decadence. There are metal studs, embellishments and chains. Color is bright and bold and delivered in shades of pink, purple, blue and yellow. It’ll take a bit of practice mixing the sizes and colors, but then that’s half the fun of fashion anyway.
