Glittery metallics, mini-skirt revivals and tongue-in-cheek runway consumerism: I wonder, is Paris Fashion Week reliving Space-Race Fashion with a twist?
If it was anything to go by from Moschino’s fast-fashion runway in Milan last week, Paris Fashion week also transformed low-brow consumerism into haute couture. Buying groceries? All the models and celebs are doing it! Rihanna and Keira Knightly were present at Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel Shopping Center.
Models Cara Delvigne & Kendell Jenner showing off their rag ponytails backstage at the Chanel Show.
The youngest Kardashian sister, Kendall Jenner, walked down the runway in pop-art patterned tweeds, sparkly cardigans, and metallic quilted coats layered casually, that is if running out for milk requires dressing to the nines. The varied textures and layers of color and jewelry inspired thoughts of candy wrappers while the ponytails wrapped in strands of Chanel fabric scraps give a new meaning to recycling, and will surely set off a trend.
Iris Van Herpen’s vacuum-sealed models on display along with the rest of her show
Of course, if you like your models fresh, Lady Gaga’s favourite designer, Iris Van Herpen’s vacuum sealed models and futuristic metallic dresses and collars reminiscent of Star Trek aliens might be to your liking.
After checking out the amazing “World of Jean Paul Gaultier” exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum this past winter, and witnessing his butterfly dress on Dita Von Teese for Spring/Summer 2014, I was looking forwards to his Fall/Winter collection only to notice his space-age variation on an old theme, reminding us punk rock will never die as he recycled his signature plaids and lace-up boots with a more futuristic look combining leather, velvet, space-age fabrics, plastics and animal prints in multiple creative representations of the Union Jack.
Alexander McQueen’s chief designer Sarah Burton also seemed stuck in a rut as for another season she paraded another dark look, this one toeing the anachronistic line between medieval princess, gothic Lolita, and Inuit hunter.
Valentino’s works of art /www.dailymail.co.uk/
Valentino and Louis Vuitton were by far some of the most wearable designers this season. Valentino opened in a wave of 60’s inspired polka dots, but his wool and leather street-wear gave way to lace formalwear festooned in flowers, birds and butterflies, which changed again to harlequin diamonds- the only binding factor being the color palette. If you need any other reminders of the fashion icon’s style, remember Olivia Wilde at the Oscars? Former Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere took over at Louis Vuitton, premiering his first show and a promising future with chic urban wear from sun-dresses, and mini-skirts, to streamline jackets, mixing variegated leathers, herringbone and tribal accents.
From Left: Margot Robbie, Rihanna, Lupita Nyong’o, Elizabeth Olsen, Elle Fanning, and French actress Lea Seydoux enjoy Mui Mui /i.dailymail.co.uk
Miu Miu drew a sizable celebrity crowd with fun see-through rain-gear, colorful foil quilted jackets and mini-skirts that would brighten up any grey day. Kate Moss caused a stir when she showed up at the Yves Saint Laurent show which is not only on the mini-skirt wagon too, but is trying to bring back the fur poncho for better or worse.
Miu Miu’s shiny quilted jackets and fun mini skirts
Stella McCartney’s woman-on-the-go was about zippers, loose “mom” pony tails and strutting in robin’s egg blue or bubble-gum pink lace up platform shoes to somewhere important. In direct contrast, and perhaps most haute couture of all, Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci’s collection of furs, silks and prints flow in clean, classic lines, reminiscent of the Paris Fashion of yesteryear.
Chloe’s “Snuggie” coat
Personally, my favourites include Kenzo’s metallic Koi and that Chloe just made wearing a Snuggie in public, socially acceptable.
Featured Image: Givenchy F/W 2014 www.nytimes.com
Other Images courtesy of www.nytimes.com
Yasmin Spiegel
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Yasmin Spiegel is a New York-based writer and information professional. She is passionate about books, textiles, good design, and expert craftsmanship. She reserves free time for her own creative work, ballroom dancing and hiking upstate. Future plans include fashion design and any excuse for worl...