10.10.10- From Paris with love

As promised, here are my picks from the SS11 shows at Paris Fashion Week:

Alexander McQueen
 

Sarah Burton's beautiful collection for McQueen was sumptuous, romantic and fantastical, bearing all the hallmarks of the late Lee McQueen's genius (as particularly evident in the tailored coats.) For me this collection struck the perfect balance between old and new, with a nod to classic shapes invested with a fresh sense of purpose and direction. I can't wait to see more of Burton's work for the label. 

Miu Miu

The Miu Miu collection really reminded me of a graphic novel, with almost cartoon like prints, and exaggerated superhero shoulders, but I love the way the pieces retained a sense of femininity through repeated emphasis on the waist and line.

Paul and Joe

A gorgeously bright, fun and girly collection, which felt really evocative of summer. 

Celine

Uncomplicated minimalist chic at its best.

Valentino

As you may have guessed by now, I absolutely adore dresses, so this collection was my idea of heaven! I really love the detailing on each of the pieces above, as well as the repeated use of shape and line at play here. 

Stella McCartney

Again, I really like the simplicity and muted tones of this collection. 

Chanel

 How could I write about Paris and not include Chanel? Although I'm not sold on the clumpy looking footwear, I love the 1920's influence at play here, with the tiered fringing and longer lines, as well as the dramatic eye makeup. I'm also obsessing over the camellia print! 

Chloé

 Beautiful Grecian style draping, simple yet so elegant. 

So, the fashion circus is over for another few months. What were your favourites from Paris? I've drawn up a top four, with my favourite shows from each city:

* New York- Mulberry

*London- Erdem

*Milan- Dolce and Gabbana

*Paris- Alexander McQueen

Which collections have been your favourites from the last month overall? Do you agree with my picks? And which Autumn/Winter shows are you most looking forward to?

(Image credit: style.com.)

15.03.2010- Paris, je t'aime.

Final fashion week post until September when the craziness will kick off in style once more, here are my Paris picks:

Alexander McQueen

 A truly luxurious collection, which stands as a tribute to and as the legacy of the unparalleled creativity and ingenuity of McQueen.

Miu Miu

 I really liked the way that this collection featured texture and the juxtaposition of the muted pastels with bright flashes of orange. 

Valentino

 Very understated pieces from the Valentino show, adore the scalloped hems and black on nude lace details. 

Chloé

Simple, clean and minimalist, this collection proved that less really is more. 

Chanel

 When I saw the first shots of the Chanel collection, I was horrified at the yeti style outfits which consisted a considerable proportion of the looks and thought that I would hate the rest of the collection. This then, proves that first impressions can be deceptive, as when I looked at the rest of the pieces, I found some more traditionally 'Chanel' looks later in the show that I just adored. Again, I really like the interesting use of texture in this collection, and the way that the classic monochrome aesthetic has been updated through styling the dresses with white woollen tights. 

Giles

 I adored this collection, with the 60's inspired styling and cute, feminine dresses. How amazing is the bag in the final shot? Want one!

Stella McCartney

Less is more for Stella, the elegance and sophistication of these pieces really shines through thanks to how simply they have been styled on the runway.

Celine

Beautiful lines, yet more minimalist chic.

Balmain

 Very much a continuation of previous Balmain collections, with the shoulder pad detailing and party perfect sequin dresses; the combination of lilac and gold is divine. And, as they say, if it ain't broke...

Balenciaga

 I really love the pastel hues in this collection, and the pieces feel both wearable and youthful. 

Christian Dior

Loved Dior, particularly the hair and make up and Galliano's use of colour, fresh, crisp tones and long lines give this collection a classic feel, nodding to the shapes of the 20's and 30's. 

So that's it! What were your favourites from Paris? And which shows were your favourites of all? 

(Image credit: style.com.)