Paris Fashion Week – Spring 2016.

Alexander McQueen.
I’ve always had an appreciation for Lee McQueen and  his namesake label. After his death and seeing the exhibit Savage Beauty at The Met in NYC, the appreciation only increased. Sarah Burton has done a wonderful job continuing on in the spirit of the house. With this spring collection she embraced the less severe and gave us a beautifully ethereal McQueen girl. The lace work, floral patterns, and intentional tailoring came together to show us the softer side of Alexander McQueen.

Valentino.
Favorite show of the season. The design duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccoli really brought us something special. The inspiration was Africa, and not in the typical safari reference. They were reminded of the thousands of refugees from countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Eritrea, Mali, Gambia that are making the treacherous trip across the Mediterranean for a chance at life in southern Italy. The designers wanted to embrace the cultures, much like embracing those coming into their country.

From Vogue.com: We probably feel that the greatest privilege in doing our work is that fashion can give a message,” said Chiuri. “We think every person coming here is an individual, and we can show that we can improve ourselves by understanding other cultures.”
“The message,” added Piccioli, “is tolerance. And the beauty that comes out of cross-cultural expression.

The show is a beautiful fusion of Italian and African influences. I loved that a Valentino collection was able to step outside the Victorian, romantic, lace-wrought collections of late. While there still is lace, the studded leather, bone jewelry, and tribal prints were done in such a way that respects the culture. Fashion can often be fleeting and without meaning, but these designers were sure to use their platform to say something, beautifully.

Elie Saab.
Gowns galore is usually the story at Elie Saab. This season’s collection was not without gowns, but Elie gave us something new and fresh with an offering of separates geared towards a younger customer. With Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid walking the show in these new silhouettes, you can tell the brand is trying to broaden its range. I appreciate the transition Elie Saab is trying to make. This is how you appeal to a new customer while keeping your long-time core happy. ahem, Saint Laurent.

Chanel.
Airport travel chic as envisioned by Karl Lagerfeld. Not much needs to be said for a Chanel runway show. Karl always gives us fantasy and whimsy along with the classic tweed. I guess we have reason not to wear yoga pants and UGGs while traveling now.

What did you think about Paris fashion week? What shows were your favorites? Any trends you’re excited to try?

xo, c.

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Linking up with: Myriad Musings, I do DeClaire, Shopping My Closet, Classy Yet Trendy