Wednesday 5 March 2014

Hot Looks from Paris Fashion Week

Of all the fashion weeks, Paris has to be my favourite. There is an aura at Paris Fashion Week that encapsulates the great fashion fantasy. Not only does it showcase the most influential styles of the season, it promises a beauty and creativity evocative of haute couture. 

This season's shows have been no exception. Here are three of my favourite looks from the Paris catwalks:

VALENTINO


This collection has everything! Clean cut tailored lines and sixties-style mini dresses were enlivened with graphic pops of colour: raspberry, strawberry and Peter Pan green contrasted against black, latte brown and winter white.

Patterns flicked between bold circles and checkerboard squares to mystical woodland scenes of flowers, butterflies and unicorns.

Sheer gowns took over for evening. Chiffon sheaths with long sleeves fitted like second skins around the torso before cascading into full, floor-length skirts. Brought to life with exquisite beading and embroidery, vines of coloured bouquets ascended to bodices dancing with soaring birds.

CELINE

The Celine look centred around that autumn/winter essential, the coat. Formal, double breasted frock coats, slouching, oversized mannish jackets and overcoats flecked with fine ostrich feathers, every look came with an outerwear companion.

As ever, it's the little nuances that set Celine pieces apart. From the way funnel necks and jacket lapels fold over to reveal a contrasting, statement neckline to the precision slicing of skirts to create a dramatic kick out when the wearer walks, every item, every line is crafted to sculpt perfection.

LANVIN

A fresh take on the idea of the investment piece, boucle tweeds and houndstooth checks were frilled and feathered, wrapped and layered to create asymmetric skirts, coats and dresses.

Wool suiting was trimmed with fringing and furs, and contrasted against loose fitting sack dresses of silk satin and buttery leathers cinched or pleated into A-line skirts.

Yes, there were elements of the fantastical but with contemporary cool in abundance, this Lanvin look is sure to transcend from the fashion elite to the high street. Never mind autumn/winter, get me that skirt I want to wear it now!


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