STYLE | PARIS FASHION WEEK WRAP UP

STYLE | CULTURE | NORTH AFRICA CLASHING WITH JAPAN?

Designers always talk about the references and influences in their collections. But this was quite interesting to me because it was being described as a clash between North Africa and Japan. Quite a contrast of culture and style aesthetics if you really consider that combination. It was quite grim, in my opinion, that a car crash was the centre of attention for the runway show, but every artist has their own creativity in how they want to present their work. The pieces actually were quite interesting in the way the two cultures were mixed together in the design, draping and details of each piece. Take a look at the video and see what you think about the spring 2014 collection for Givenchy.

STYLE | GOLD CAMOUFLAGE

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

 Paris Fashion Week always bring out some of the most interesting collections of the many fashion weeks each season.  The last few seasons camouflage, traditionally reserved for army uniforms has infiltrated our closets.  The pattern has been worked into so many shades and styles for men and women.  It's no surprise that designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac glamourized the traditional combat pattern.   Castelbajac made it hip, modern and definitely not to be worn in the line of duty.  The designer changed the classic green pattern bringing in the metallic power of gold mixed with beige and black.  The models with hair swept to the side and strong red lips looked perfectly dressed for an evening affair despite the fact they were wearing camouflage.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

STYLE | STREET STYLE SHOES AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

If there is one thing that you can count on at Paris Fashion Week, it's the unique sense of style of everyone on the streets. It doesn't matter if it's the famous socialite or the young teenager strolling by, Paris seems to bring out some of the best in fashion. Take a look at this video filled with shoes spotted on the feet of fashion goers during Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2014 collections.

H&M at Paris Fashion Week

There was one runway show at Paris Fashion Week where anyone could buy the clothes straight off the catwalk.  For the first time H&M featured its collection at Paris Fashion Week.  The fashion retailer made its debut in a more intimate setting of the garden of Musée Rodin.  It was a collection that had simple, clean, lines and tailoring in the jackets.  The show opened with a black cape that had a subtle equestrian take.  Black and white was the core color story here with minimal use of other colors.  We saw bits of red, gold fringe and soft shades of pink.  Overall it was a wearable collection with pieces that could be worn by anyone and easily mixed into your wardrobe.

Zuhair Murad Spring 2013

Paris Fashion Week spring 2013.

Zuhair Murad's couture collection for spring 2013 was a series of gold, ivory and salmon coloured masterpieces.  Each ensemble was crafted to accentuate a woman's body with embroidered details and patterns that made each it's own artful creation.  Murad is known for creating dresses that make a woman look like a star.  Often spotted on the red carpet his dresses have been worn by the likes of Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.   

Spring 2013 collection.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2012

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2012-2013

Marc Jacobs went all out for the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection for the house of Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week.  It was an ode to an era gone by as a vintage styled train entered the runway tooting its whistle with the car filled with models dressed in the fall collection.  It was like a scene from the early part of the twentieth century.  A train conductor stood outside and aided each model dressed in lady-like coats and then each accompanied by porters carrying her baggage.

Double breasted jackets, worn with cropped trousers, long dresses and big hats by Stephen Jones reminiscent of another era decorated with large feather-like flowers.  It was the 1900s mixed with 1960s and 1970's influence.  Jackets were adorned with brooches that served as buttons and many fabrics were brocade.  These were women on the go who have travelled from another place and stepped into this century as modern women.  Perhaps she is a socialite heading to her next VIP event.  Or she has just returned from a business trip.  In any case, this woman is confident, classy and a modestly sexy.

If the video doesn't play for you above click here to watch the runway show directly on youtube.

Givenchy, Paris Fashion Week

The Givenchy spring 2013 collection was ruffled.  Around the neck, shoulders,   Minimalist silhouettes with a modern feel.  Light fabrics flowed.  Skirts were straight, with a flap over the front held with straps on the hip-bone reminding me of a skirt worn by men during the Roman empire, just draped over slim cut trousers.

White, powder blue, nude and black were the color scheme here.  I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did.