Street Style - Paris Fashion Week Fall 2014

Street Style
Paris Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2014

The whirlwind that was fashion week is sadly behind us, but we take from it many incredibly style memories that will inspire our closets for months to come.This is the final segment in my Fashion Week Street Style coverage where we head to the City of Lights and all things beautiful, Paris.  Throughout the last 4 weeks, we've seen the socialites, models, stylists and editors, but in my opinion (and I'm not being biased here), the bloggers honestly have the best style. Please click on the images for a larger view.

Cerise Breeze

Whereas pastel pink was all the rage in the other fashion capitals, Paris gave us a new saturated spin on the colour trend in a luscious cerise pink. Suit it, skirt it, shirt it or bag it, this shade is bound to make a striking statement in any way. It's one of my all-time favourite hues.

Checking In

It seems we have not seen the last of the checked print trend this season. Here we have some stellar coats, pants and skirts to end the plaid craze on a high note.

Leopard Loving

Leopard prints have become truly timeless in the past few years. Buy yourself one modish overcoat and you will be set for seasons to come. Even just a leo-printed bag or snazzy pair of ankle boots will add volumes of style to your outfit. I love how the Parisians have selected to pair it with red.

In Distress

Distressed Denim made many chic appearances during PFW, taking the lead from where skinnies and wide-legs left off. These nifty ripped pieces have been styled with oversized coats, chunky knits, trenches and heels.

La Bohéme

French Bohemia is beautifully narrated through a set of ethnic inspired looks in a luxuriant contrast of plush fabrics, engaging textures and baroque prints.

Scarlett Fever

The City of Love was painted red by a radiant cliqué of jumpers and jackets that require no elaborate styling.
A colour this loud certainly speaks for itself.

La Belle Vie

A feminine mix of feathers and midi skirts signify the glamour of Paris Fashion Week, with beautiful looks that can be taken from the sidewalk to nearest high society soiree in 0-5 seconds. 

Winter Whites

I was not there, so I don't know...but the weather must have been pretty great in Paris, as these winter whites honestly don't look very wintery. But even in a chilly 12 °C, all white is always impeccably elegant. Wear it chalky head to heel or break it up with snazzy bright shoes and accessories.

Print Palette

These graphic graffiti prints from Céline, along with vibrant stripes and florals brought an interesting splash of colour and spice to the dull grey-skyed city.

Leatherettes

There are so many ways to leather and not look like you belong in a hard rock band. These ladies have lent a ladylike touch to traditional black leather, with flaired skirts and slick leggings worn with metallic blazers. Append a leather biker jacket and grungy boots to your floral maxi dress for a boho rock effect or get pastelized with a pink leather quilted coat.

Suit Yourself

The suit trend we saw in Milan has journeyed with grace to the streets of Paris, seen with cropped tops, trousers and jackets and teamed with either sneakers or heels.

Parisian Chic

Parisian sophistication is conveyed by relaxed-fit silhouettes, refined layering and once-clichéd breton stripes in this effortlessly chic set of outfits.

Colour Pops

Using black as a foundation, these savvy fashionistas added a bold dash of pigment to their looks, rendering a modern and impactful slant on the formally outworn colour-block trend.

Which of these Paris Fashion Week Street Style Trends will you be wearing?

*Images found via Elle, Vogue France, Grazia, Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair.

Parisian Chic - Fashion Week Street Style SS14

Street Style
Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2014

Our journey through the streets of fashion week come to a close in the City of Lights, where the world's trendiest editors, buyers & bloggers congregated to admire and be admired by their fashion peers. I've gathered a few of the best looks that made Paris Fashion Week stand out.

Red Tape

Brilliant flashes of crimson red weaved their way through Paris Fashion Week in elegant splendor. Fashion editor Caroline Issa (pictured first) was striking in a petal pink Balmain top with a red and black Paul Smith skirt. The second outfit is flawlessly put together with an animal print blouse and beautifully fitted red skirt. A red sleeveless gilet brings vigor to a simple white tee and tights (third), and a classic red sweater is savvily mixed by blogger Dana Rogoz with a chauffeur hat and black mini for that all chic preppy look (pictured last).

Ways With Plaid

 Plaid made its way from the pavements to New York, across the pond to London & Milan and now it's firmly rooted itself in the streets of Paris. This is a set of different ways to style this all-consuming trend. My personal favourite is Anne Catherine Frey in the first outfit with the flaired navy midi skirt & plaid shirt. The second outfit features Tiffany Hsu in a high-waisted maxi skirt by Rodarte. Veronika Heilbrunner (third) wears her Acne jacket with a cropped tartan trousers by Zara. Or be brave & go all out in a fully plaid printed suit like the last look.

Coat Rack

Covering up with an outstanding coat is one way to get noticed, and stay stylishly warm. The first white floral trench coat on Helena Bordon is down-played with a quirky tee, distressed denim shorts and a comic clutch. Natalie Hartley (pictured second) wears a serene powder blue oversized No 21 coat with a floral Preen top, boyfriend jeans and metallic gold Chloe heels. In Look 3, a pair of over-the-knee boots and leather skirt suitably style this elegant sienna pink coat. Pictured last is the imaginative stylings of Vika Gazinskaya in a voluminous flamingo print coat of her own design.

Black Ballroom Skirts

Bringing a touch of formal glamour to Paris Fashion Week were gracious black ballroom skirts. From left, fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell added a yellow printed tee to her look, ballerina Hannah O'Neill was lovely in a pastel pink & black Dior ensemble, Chiara Ferragni styled her tulle Alberta Ferretti skirt with a white tank & 3.1 Philip Lim handbag and lastly, Camila Coutinho paired her pink embroidered camisole & flaired skirt with a gold belt & Chanel bag. 

Greyscale

Shades of grey proved popular in school-inspired looks with pleated skirts, dapper hats and blazers (seen in Looks 1 & 2). The third outfit is smartly layered with a trim white shirt, grey pencil skirt and charcoal perforated jacket. Pictured last is a winsome grey dress with floral neckline, puff sleeves and a storybook clutch. 

Rose Trellis

 Embrace this sugary sweet pink shade with girly dresses, oversized sweaters and sophisticated suits. Mira Duma (first) dons the trendy rose hue from top to heel. Valentina Siragusa (second) was stunning in an embellished Blumarine dress. Designer Vika Gazinskaya wore a chic blush pink pants suit with impressive black and white heels.

Tapestries

Those retro curtains you never liked will come in handy now, as tapestry prints are in vogue, casting a baroque spell with florid embroideries in rich tones. From left, Maria Kolosova pairs her rococo blazer over all black, Anna Dello Russo takes a stride in a floral Valentino frock and Elisa Baudoin charmed in her quaint printed dress with floral crown. Magazine editor Mojeh Izadpanah and Nasiba Adilova both wear ornate Valentino capes styled to perfection.

Well Suited 

Sharply tailored blazers and well-cut trousers are elegantly styled in this menswear trend. Joanna Hillman looked exceptionally polished in the first black and white outfit, the third look sees Stacy Jean in a checked Asos pants with cropped Miu Miu top and black Maje blazer. Helena Bordon (pictured fourth) vividly lifted her slick white suit with a colourful top and pictured last, Catalina Denis glowed in an orange Dior look.

Green with Envy

If you don't already have something emerald in your closet, now would be the time to buy into this colour craze. Miroslava Duma (first) has her green Acne jacket with striped sleeves cliched in by a metal gladiator belt. In the third look is Veronika Heilbrunner sporting an interesting green toned outfit with layered skirt by Acne. Appealing to a more casual style, try out a forest green jeans like the fourth outfit. And pictured last, Yasmin Sewell stands out in her jewel green satin top and spotted tulle skirt by Chloe, which she cleverly wore over jeans.

Tie It Up

Possibly the easiest trend to achieve from Paris Fashion Week, any outfit can be grunge-d up by tying a tartan shirt around the waist. The versatility of this simple manoeuvre adds an edge to mini skirts, jumpsuits, dresses, jeans and just about anything else.

La Femme

 A handful of feminine dresses echoed the romance of Paris in this engaging set of outfits. Elisa Pelosini (pictured first) was pretty in an ivory lace Isabel Marant dress with fringed boots. The second gorgeous dress is one of my favorites from PFW, this sheer black maxi is dramatically paired with a matching floral crown. The third outfit brazenly features a sheer lemon lace skirt with a white lace jacket and eye-catching metallic belt. Look 4 boasts a sophisticated black and white Dior dress. 

Birds of a Feather

With fabulously feathered and fur looks like these, I wish winter never left here in the Southern Hemsiphere! A cozy display of shaggy coats, feathery skirts and velvety soft knits warmed up the streets of Paris in grand luxury, citing both comfort and style.

Which of these Parisian street style trends will you be wearing this season?

*Images found via Harper's Bazaar, Elle Magazine, Stockholm Street Style, Easy Fashion Paris and Vanity Fair.

Paris Couture Week 2013 - Part 2

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part Two

This is the closing chapter in my Paris Couture Week coverage. 

Georges Chakra
An extravanganza of colour collided at Georges Chakra's Spring Couture show, in a zesty fruit bowl of orange, lemon, guava and grapefruit. Black, white, navy and blue also weaved its way through the the colour-blocked cut-out evening gowns and slinky embellished mini dresses. Innovative necklines dipped into fit-and-flare silhouettes and floaty chiffon skirts...with glistening beads and a few feathers were thrown in for good measure.

Elie Saab
When it comes to creating exquisite evening wear, Elie Saab reigns supreme. Elie's SS13 Couture range follows his evergreen template of ethereal sheer gowns smothered with floral appliqués and the most intricate of crystal embroideries. Dresses were doused in a syrupy palette of ice blue, lavender, ivory and honeycomb, then turning more dramatic in shades of vivid red and black. Pocketed ballroom skirts and floor-sweeping capes brought a certain modernity to the princess ensembles. I hope to see a few of these on the red carpet.

  
Armani Privé
I never would have put the words 'Armani' and 'Tribal' in the same sentence before, but this couture season, Giorgio took a cultural journey through the Middle Eastern and beyond. Slick satin trouser suits with sharply-cut cropped jackets and waistcoats were seen in abundance, alongside ethnically patterned dresses and beaded peplum tops. Scarlet, saffron, bronze and black made up the colour quota of layered looks and radiant evening gowns.

   
Valentino
The value of a Valentino Spring couture gown is measured by finely filigreed embroidery, conscientiously piped onto organza in a garden trellis design. A sense of demure femininity was advocated through long-sleeved dresses with high necklines in variations of virtuous white. Floral, caped and birdcage dresses shared the stage with graceful evening gowns in crimson red, ivory pearl and inky black tulle.

     
Georges Hobeika
Fast becoming one of my favourite couturiers, Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika brings forth unprecedented prettiness for Spring. The season is beautifully shaded in emerald green, turquoise and carnation pink with whispers of lilac, grey, maple and rose. Full-skirted chiffon gowns were decked with incandescent beadwork and decadent floral motifs, artfully pieced together to create a celestial flower garden in bloom.

   
Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad makes the dresses that Hollywood starlets love to wear, and with this ravishing new Couture collection, he is sure to inherit a few more fans. Ornamented with lavish gold embroidery and shimmering sequins, his impeccably fit evening gowns enchanted with their sensual femininity. A blush of peachy coral and oceanic blue was seen alongside cloudy whites, metallic gold and pewter. Swishing chiffon skirts and column gowns with languid capes breezed across the runway...and hopefully to a red carpet in the near future.

Who has most impressed you this Spring Couture season?


*If you missed Part One, stroll over here.

Paris Couture Week 2013 - Part 1

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

There is no better place for avant grade inspiration than Paris Couture Fashion Week. This is part one of my runway recap from the City of Lights. Please click on the image to zoom in.

Christian Dior
The refined design aesthetic of Raf Simons blossomed at Dior's Couture SS13 presentation, uplifting the scene with cool blues, sunflower yellow, rose petal pinks and poppy red. The strapless bustier neckline was thematic throughout, as were chic cigarette pants and bell-shaped satin skirts fitted with pockets. Delicate floral lace embroidery enhanced the buoyant spirit of Spring. The range did feel slightly déjá vu from the last two seasons.

    
Giambattista Valli
A thoughtfully sculpted procession of feminine dresses drifted down the runway at Giambattista Valli. Black and white abstract animal prints and tented high-low hem skirts led the Spring 2013 showing, with dainty lilac and rose pink princess frocks following suit. Sumptuous ball gowns placed over pencil pants evoked an air of modern elegance.

    
Atelier Versace
Donatella took an entirely different route for Spring 2013, presenting a collection that is high in impact and all that is classic Versace glamour. Black pinstriped ensembles boasted genuine 24 carat gold thread in this ode to gilded opulence, which also featured architectural dresses inspired by domes of glass. A wave of fluorescent pinks and acid green revitalized our fashion palettes with neon chiffon babydoll dresses that should come with its own set of sunglasses.

     
Alexis Mabille
Couture week regular Alexis Mabille sent a confection of sugary romance down his Spring 2013 runway. Peaches and cream, strawberry kisses, honey almond and pastille pink coloured in the frothy evening gowns and lace lingerie inspired dresses. Bustier gowns and ribboned empire line looks were whirled in pleated chiffon, tiers of tulle and airy organza. Blissfully pretty.

Stephane Rolland
Stephane Rolland knows a thing or two about art, as evident in his skillfully sculpted collection, flaunting strong lines, symmetrical shapes & structured ruffles. Monochromatic silk gowns featured visually interesting sheer insert skirts with fishtail hems. Adding a 3 dimensional effect to the dresses were carefully pieced petals set upon peplum waists and necklines.

     
Chanel
Midnight strolls down forest paths in opulent fairytale dresses & cream tweed suits...that doesn't sound a bit unusual when you're talking about Chanel Couture. Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up an exquisite collection for Spring, with skirt suits, dainty dresses over lace leggings, a floral scattering of sequins & frayed feathered gowns that deserve a place in a Tim Burton movie.

What are your thoughts on the Spring 2013 Couture Collections so far?


Part Two to follow.

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 3

Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part Three

This final chapter marks the end of the incredible Spring 2013 fashion week season. Click to catch up on all the shows from New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Elie Saab
Elie Saab serves up a masterful collection of chic daywear and luxurious evening looks in a multi-hued palette of ivory cream, mink, chocolate, cherry red, turquoise and sapphire. Saab also stepped into the trend with a set of digital prints. Sculpted bodices on body con dresses contrasted the set of fluid chiffon gowns that were garnished with ribbons and lace. 

     
Miu Miu
Elegance comes undone at Miuccia Prada's Spring 2013 runway show, with a play on 50's style shapes in a compelling fusion of fabrics like denim, leather, vinyl and fur. Jacket lengths were kept long, skirts were slim and cut above the ankle while tops remained short, revealing the midriff. Fur stoles were slung over the shoulders of spray painted dresses in cherry red, indigo, ivory and taupe. Leather gloves and pointy-toe heels enhanced the distinctive looks.

   
Andrew Gn
The Singaporean designer takes us on a tour of India and Japan through his exquisite designs in a rich palette of cobalt blue, bronze, chartreuse, teal, indigo and crimson, softened by icy silk pastels. The collection features origami folded necklines, Jodhpur pants and buttoned up coats, with a polarity between the slick pencil and full tulip shaped skirts. Ornate paisley and feathered embroidery decorated the glamourous duchess satin gowns.

Louis Vuitton
Making a monumental impact at Louis Vuitton were a dizzying array of block prints in sunflower yellow, black and white, beige, brown and bright green. Sixties silhouettes were rolled out with long maxi dresses, mid-length skirts and modish mini's. Cropped tops were seen alongside sequined flower skirt suits and monochrome checkered coats. The retro-graphic collection was styled with cute bows and beehive hairstyles.

Isabel Marant
Easy-going bohemian beach glamour set the tone at Isabel Marant's SS13 show. One-shouldered minis, swimsuits wrapped with sarongs, ruffled island-style frocks, breezy Hawaiian printed blouses with lace tie-ups & studded embellishings that cited Vegas glitz.

Alexander McQueen

We've come to expect nothing short of spectacular from Sarah Burton and once again she delivers on profound innovation. A honeycomb of bee-inspired ensembles created a buzz with constrictive shapes, crinoline and resin corsets, hexagonal printed mesh and wasp-waisted jackets and jacquard skirts all in a hive of honey gold, black, rose red and buttercup yellow. Ostentatious evening gowns were shrouded with flower rows and pollen-like appliqués. Bee-keeper hats and shimmering caged heels styled the otherworldly designs.

Saint Laurent
Hedi Slimane's high-powered vision and fortitude reignites the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent for Spring 2013. LA rock chic gets expertly tailored with swish tuxedo jackets over frilled blouses and skin-tight pants, a scattering of sequins and fringing, floaty tiered dresses and cut-out evening gowns with trailing chiffon capes. The impeccably styled looks were elevated by wide-brimmed fedoras, thick leather belts and wispy neck bows. 

Valentino

Modern femininity reigns for the Spring of Valentino 2013, with a host of graceful looks in ladylike shapes - A-line dresses in guipure lace, chic jumpsuits, sheer chiffon and strips of leather overlaid on delicate slip dresses with glittering beadwork, miniature cut-out seams, dandelion prints and demure evening gowns with high bib collars and modest long sleeves.

What are your thoughts on the final collections in Part Three of Paris Fashion Week?

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 2

Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part Two

This is the second chapter in my coverage of the illustrious Paris Fashion Week 2013. For Part One visit here. Please click on the images for a closer view.


Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld presents a multi-faceted collection for Spring, his 'air'-based ideas translated by a myriad of nature-shades in tweed, organza, cotton waffle knits, leather and denim. The iconic Chanel coat is cropped and teamed with fitted and flair dresses and skin-tight trousers. Tops are cocoon-shaped with wide collars and voluminous sleeves. 3D floral appliqués were embroidered onto evening gowns, all accessorized by clusters of pearls.

Celine

Phoebe Philo brings a literal twist to her minimalistic design aesthetic with wrapped pieces of fabric in midnight blue, black, beige, white & grey. V-necks were netted in on long dresses with deconstructed hemlines. Slouchy satin pants & slip dresses softened the otherwise masculine shapes. Quirky fur-lined flat sandals & fuzzy stilettos were an instant hit.

Stella McCartney
Stella struck her fashion gold mine in tailoring luxe sports wear for the modern woman. For Spring 2013, she infuses orange, grass green & blue with black & white. The silhouettes were oversized and unconfined, a contrast of bold lines and sheer organza layering. Amongst the striking line-up were ovate-shapes, athletic tops, bomber jackets & printed anglaise dresses.

Haider Ackermann

Ackermann breathes exotic life into a moody palette of colours in deep teal blue, black, grey and bronze. There was an Asian influence in the air with leather Obi belts and origami-like silhouettes. A sumptuous blend of chiffon, tweed and jacquard made up the layers of prim jackets, billowy mix-print blouses, high-waisted skinny-fit trousers and plush robe coats.

 

   
Chloe
The lineup at Chloe was chic and cropped with midriff-baring swing tops, mid-length skirts and bermuda shorts. Relaxed jackets and pants were coloured in muted shades, with the slightest hint of floral print and stripes. Sheer layering, frilled tulle, daisy appliqués and a profusion of Pierrot ruffles pinned down this pretty collection.

Christian Dior

Raf Simons wipes the slate clean at Dior with a refined glamour found in sharply-cut suits and jacket dresses in black, slate and navy blue. The palette took a brighter turn into orange, mint, yellow and varying shades of pink. Lustrous mini dresses were sensually draped in chiffon and tulle. The idea of 'freedom' was displayed through A-line shapes, capacious satin rose-print ballroom skirts and asymmetrical trails of fabric seamed onto minimalist tops. 

    
Givenchy
The usually high-wired walls of Givenchy came down with a soft, more feminine fall, a lightness of shades & 'purity' as the subject matter. Ruffles & rivets were tacked onto baby blue & white dresses and asymmetrical tops. Jackets & sleeves were rounded with necklines kept high, attributing to a certain modesty associated with the nun-inspired ensembles.

   
Giambattista Valli
A clarity of shapes, sleekness of lines and simple beauty prevailed at Giambattista Valli's Spring 2013 offering. Polished suits and flowy tunics were accompanied by trim-fitting pants. Chic shift dresses were missing a middle and fitted with a metallic hemline. Sheerness was seen on sexy pencil skirts in black, white and embroidered gold. Evening wear was demure with ruby red lace and organza, and studded beads.

        
Who are your favourite pick from Part Two of Paris Fashion Week?
Please stay tuned for the final post in the Spring 2013 fashion season.