PARIS FASHION WEEK F/W15-16

"Paris is ALWAYS a good idea"

I already knew that I was going to be utterly, completely and absolutely OBSESSED with the line up of collections for Paris' Fashion Week Fall-Winter 15; but even with that thought ingrained in my head I did expect to see the extent that designers went to in order to impress and awe. For fashion week, Paris has the very pleasant job of housing the fashion shows of various big time designer labels including the likes of Miu Miu, Chanel, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen but the most astounding and unique thing about the Fashion Week in Paris is that the line up includes a variety of designers from Asian origins including the very skilled Rei Kawabuko of Comme Des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, and Shiatzy Chen- something which I think is very very awesome and demonstrates the unity of Parisian fashion to Asian fashion culture; both very different and very contrasting in their ideas and concepts but work so well together to bring a new insight of the fashion world each and every year.


Anyway, I've got a lot to get through so I won't ramble on too much more, let's get into the world of fashion in Pah-ree !!!

Acne Studios has come out of their shell and emerged as one of the modern fashion brands to look out for; giving a much loved appearance in Paris Fashion Week this year. The focus of this collection was not so much on the crisp and perfect cuts and seams but rather the opposite; garments were purposely made to demonstrate asymmetry, to show off seams and incomplete hems and allow for patches of random colour to mimic a fabric patch after a garment tear. Acne took us back to basics and wasn't afraid to show all the imperfect areas within fashion design so much so that garments looked unfinished on the runway; exactly the concept sought out for. I am in love with the huge hem seams made in the baby blue set of trench and boy shorts, and a new take on patches makes me think that patches really are a friend of fashion after all.

Denim on denim and even denim dresses made an appearance in the Alexis Mabille FW15-16 line up, and I have to say that there's nothing more 70's than throwing in a bunch of denim attire combined with fur shoulders and oversized dad coats all in one show. As well as the denim x denim action, Mabille proved to us that light wear styles don't need to take a back seat during winter time, as heavy layering came into play and pieces were instantly transformed from summer to winter attire. The oversized black parka with accents of baby pink was made to look deliciously flattering and the massive bow on the side speaks to me on another level.

Sky high boots, turtle neck fur and aztec patterns. It's no question Sacai FW15-16 killed it this year. Need I say more? Channeling the inner (and outer) Russian, watching Sacai's show was like taking a step back into cold Russian winter breezes, ice cold hands and layering to the extreme so your butt doesn't freeze off and at that moment, I wished I was there again. One of the coolest things about fashion is the way it can transform , shape and evoke peoples' feelings with the mere play of fabric- exactly what Sacai did to me. The boots just kept on sky rocketing up and up with no end, and the gigantic, voluminous fur collars bring a new definition to the word fancy.

Alex Wang has done it yet again with the release of Balenciaga's RTW line up for this winter season. Unlike his own gothic/punk rock inspired theme, Wang kept things crisp, polished and classic whilst still letting the classical Wang style peek through for everyone to whole-heartedly admire. My favourite outfits have got to be the oversized knit trop combined with the assymetrical pleated skirt which keeps things muted with the colour combo choice but edgy with the asymmetry and pairing of a flat, industrial boot as well as the 'sterutess gone chic' look that combines a crisp white button up, a dark grey pencil midi skirt and a gigantic neck scarf mimicking the classic sterutess neck bows. Oh, and how can I forget the leather gloves? Yaaas. 

I'm a sucker for all girly, pink things and this is why Olympia Le Tan's line up caught my eye and made me fall in love. Not only did all the looks speak to me on a personal level so much so that I would happily spend as much money needed in order to have the honour of hanging up these babies in my wardrobe, but I got a hardcore feeling of Alice In Wonderland inspiration that just made me all warm and gooey inside, because I love Alice in Wonderland and everything about it. This line up featured on femininity, girlyness and youth and a play around with a bunch of fabrics to create a greater visual effect. I am in love with this line up and my favourite piece is a tie between the sheer blouse + midi skirt combo and the all white piece featuring a massive feather crown. 

Eep for Kenzo's voluminous, fabric rich, colourful garments released for the winter season. Apart from the unique outfits, the show featured a bunch of moving, gigantic shapes positioned around a very untraditional catwalk as models manouvered around and made one with the objects perfectly. Kenzo is so unique in both their concepts and their garments that there's no question that a heap of attention is guaranteed when it comes down to any season line up; and this collection reinforced that completely. I love the drapery, the loose fitting satin blouses and an emphasis on full length pants/skirts.

In these last few months, i've been obsessing over and loving the look of a night-gown like full/midi length dress so when Celine came out with their line up and featured a few gorgeous beauties in their collections, there was no question I would be utterly in love. Combining soft colours with bold, Celine balanced out each and every one of their looks to create a perfect hint of both femininity and edge within their outfits. One of the coolest things in this collection is the knit sweater turned overalls that has both a v neck and a high collar (with the magic of layering!) that looks so chic and modern. To be honest, I have no idea what those clumps of fur are that the model is holding, but who cares? it looks freaking cool.

Chloe is notoriously known for creating effortlessly feminine, classy and gorgeously tailored attire suitable for any occasion, and they did not dissapoint in the slightest with this collection. I must say, I have been surprisingly dreaming about that wonderful denim playsuit + fur vest combo and I never thought i'd say that; I guess that's what Chloe does to lovers of fashion. Experimentation with different fabrics and cuts and still leaving things very in line with the concept, Chloe FW15-16 focused on re-creating summer pieces into winter pieces with the addition of layering. The gorgeous neck ties are to die for and I cannot get enough of the full length tartan trench coat that's been tailored to perfection in the wonderful world of Chloe. 

When I first saw Givenchy FW15-16 pop up on my instagram feed I knew that the line up is a perfect compliment to the menswear line (that I blogged about!) and I was over the moon. I thoroughly enjoyed the menswear concept and line up for fall/winter 2015 and was hoping for Ginvechy to come out with equally great, gothic inspired tailored pieces for me to swoon over and boy, I was not dissapointed. Racoon tail fur graced it's way back into Givenchy looks and straight onto a skirt to work in favour of the whole outfit by bringing an edge to an otherwise classic piece of a fur trench. Black and red were the main colours and lined up with the gothic theme reminsicent of menswear fw15. I love the weird face details and the gorgeous dark maroon coat + skirt that screams expensive.  

With a pop and a bang the Mason Martin Margiela show absolutely KILLED Paris Fashion Week! Can we please please PLEASE take a moment in the day to worship the fur boot?!??! It is everything that i've dreamed for in the upcoming fashion week and now my dream has come true x10 and I'm over the moon.  Channeling the crazy clown vibes, Margiela made his models out to be insane creatures as some strutted out hump backed and slightly crazy, dark makeup with crazy accent colours to create a clown-eqsue feel and i cannot forget to mention tartan print mania with a heap of looks. Call me a sinner because I would go to hell and back for those fur boots, I'm not joking.

Le Maire is one of those designers I'm not too familiar with but I now know to keep a huge eye open for them because their trench coat tailoring is beyond amazing. For FW15, Le Maire decided to keep things simple and elegant by combining classical tailored trench coats and pants with a neutral colour palette so flattering this upcoming season. My favourite look from this collection is the culotte off white jumpsuit with a high low parka knit overthrow; so simple and yet so eye capturing. Hair tucked back and sleek, black boots on the feet; if there's one thing I can say about Le Maire FW15-16 is that the line up was so down-to-earthingly flattering.

Oversized Dad coats, structured midi dresses, subtle pops of colour and the emergence of lace were the main stars at the Rochas FW15-16 line up as models gracefully strutted out onto the runway wearing pieces we can only imagine. Taking on a classical pencil cut midi dress and turning it into a modern masterpiece with the addition of a bulky, complimentary belt, Rochas did not take a back seat on re-creating the best pieces of our time with an edge. Not only do the fabrics look divine, they add a touch of unconventional elegance and tie in every piece with a hint of chic. The oversized dad coat + midi dress is my favourite combo from the line up and I'm loving the baby blue midi dress is the cutest thing i've seen for a long time.

Manish Arora comes out with the goods yet again with their abundant use of colour, patterns, decadent prints and feathers. For SS15, it was al about the neons and this time around it's all about the hues of pink and baby blues combined with elaborate, whacky patterns to go with the classical Manish Arora look. The theme for FW15-16 was definitely more aztec themed as opposed to SS's alien-esque, japanese harajuku inspired theme and I'm loving this one so much more because of its' toned down nature that is still so eye-capturing and out there. Crazy headgear and bulky boots with fish net stockings all tied in each look together perfectly and allowed for some femasculinity combined with the hued pinks.

Apart from the fact that Balmain FW15 is now widely known because it was the first time Kim K showed herself with her platinum blonde locks, the show was probably most exciting for me to watch because I was expecting such great things. And I was not dissapointed in the slightest because this time around, Balmain went above and beyond expectations by playing around with a wide array of fabrics and styles like the mini dress made completely of a shiny fringe material that in itself makes a huge statement piece without any supporting pieces. I'm not a huge sucker for waist belts but Balmain killed it by adding neon pops of colour to monochromatic pieces to add dimension and a subtle edge. I also enjoy the addition of the classic black stocking; so wonderfully simple and yet when combined with colourful pieces has the ability to complete any look perfectly.

Bohemian 70's festival chic was the aura for Lanvin's line up for this upcoming winter season and I would be lying if I didn't say that this collection brought me so much inspiration both in terms of my personal work and my outfit choices for winter. Lanvin brought us back to the simpler times by using lace, wool trimmed coats, boho patterns and fur vests and I couldn't be more happier with the line up as it allows for so much diversity for the wardrobe in the chilly months. My favourite look has got to be the boho-pattern jumpsuit with the full bodied fur vest and maroon booties- such a unique piece which I could never even think of at the top of my head but now I'll be adding this look into my winter essentials. Love love love.

Christine Phung is just one of the Chinese designers that made a very welcome appearance in Paris Fashion Week and I am so intrigued with the brand now that I'll be keeping a huge eye out for it. Re-creating pieces that we have already seen before and making them into a unique garment is a hard task to do if you do not have the creative mind - something which Christine Phung definitely has because old pieces were created to look completely new and modern by playing around with different fabrics, cool stand out colours and of course not forgetting this seasons most loved colour; grey. My favourite piece from this line up is definitely the grey midi + grey crop jacket combo and I cannot wait to see more from Christine Phung.

I need to stop hyperventilating at the beauty that is the baby pink suit + fur overthrow; I seriously cannot sleep well at night because all that's on my mind is Pascal Millets' god damn pink suit. Not only did Millet discover what it takes for women to fall in love with the brand, he embodied a range of different styles and cuts to add diversity and allow for a wider market appeal. The huge dark grey turtle neck parka overthrow is strangely aesthetically pleasing and of course, my favourite look from this line up for FW15-16 is that pink suit and fur overthrow. Ahhhhhhhh.

Subtle, Monochromatic and Simplistic are just some of the words I would use to describe Nehera's FW15-16 collection release. Neutral, warm hues of colours combined with slouchy, effortless and soft tailored garments created a modern touch on what it takes to be cosy and cool at the same time.  The turtle neck made a huge appearance and full length pencil skirts hanging softly on bodies as well as loose fitting pants created a very relaxed feel and even more so when combined with neutral flat shoes. A soft pop of white fur and a hint of pattern brought the whole collection together and allowed for some simplistic diversity. 

Ah, Jacquemus. You've done it again sir, and you did it good. SS15 was so freaking good that I didn't know if Jacquemus could out do himself, but I shouldn't have doubted the master of the weird and simplictic whacky as FW15-16 went to even greater lengths to create a visual appeal with a touch of "wait, what?" This time, Jacquemus created a cartoonist, eery, barely there collection that celebrates and vows to show off the human body in such a way that the human body in itself becomes a part of the complete look. Models went barefoot, some missing one pant leg, some shirtless, some blinded by a simplistic mask and SOME even having two faces. I am in love with this collection because of the weird vibes and the simplicity turned complex that Jacquemus perfectly embodied in every look.

Valentino's FW15-16 was one of my favourite collections from Paris Fashion Week because it contained two of my favourite things; fur and sheer. Deciding to opt for the barely there look, Valentino created full length, light-weight gowns celebratory of, yet in contrast with the winter months, as well as playing around with tulle to create a voluminous effect. Fur coats were made to absolute perfection as the combination of multicolour and monochrome was included, and embossed dresses stole the whole show as they bought a unique elegance with the addition of frills and multi-colours. The high neck is also a favoured look in Valention's FW line up, so I guess we can confirm that turtle-necks are the go to style for the winter months; no matter if you're wearing a dress, a shirt, a jumper or a coat.

Everyone knows that Alexander McQueen is basically the god of fashion turned art and I cannot forget to mention him in the line up for Paris Fashion Week this season. From the crazy to the toned down, the colourfully demonic and the elegantly feminine, Alexander McQueen (RIP) is one designer worthy of every praise and every mention- he is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to fashion and I will always think of his designs as being the best of the best, forever. In true Alexander McQueen fashion, gowns embellished with a myriad of decals to create another shape, an array of extra fabric bunched up in intricate ways to create an art form in a dress, and extravagant pops of colour on monochromatic backdrops to add maximum effect were just some of the aspects of Alexander McQueen that we so love and saw once again in FW15. The models' hair was made out to be more like birds' nests (one of the more 'normal' looks from AMQ) and the celebration of sheer was seen look after look. My favourite look, if I had to choose, would have to be the pink rose dress.

Looking through the Paris Fashion Week runway line up photos, I came across a designer not too familiar with but was instantly drawn to by her daring use of bright colour, vibrant prints and even pom poms!!! So I knew I had to click and look further, and what I saw was gorgeous, amazing and so so different. Shiatzy Chen created looks like no other with her FW15-16 line up, even going to such great lengths to glue on pom poms on satin gowns with fur necklines (love!!), bright pink fur coats and a decadent fur vest were also some of my favourites but that amazing two piece midi skirt + crop blazer combo CANNOT go unmentioned: I am completely in love. I am so in love in fact that I'm seriously, seriously thinking about saving up and purchasing it. No, seriously. I'm not joking. I'm having dreams about this. So glad I found this designer and cannot wait to see more from her in the upcoming seasons.

I'd like to take a moment here to state the Coco Chanel hit the nail on the head when she said "Fashion fades, but style endures" because god damn, if there's one person that can make any classic pice look modern; it's Karl Langerfield of Chanel. That man has done it time after time and he did not take the stakes down this time around, in fact he raised them high up over the Eiffel Tower and came out with pieces classic of the Chanel brand, RE-INVENTED with modern touches whilst still pertaining to the brands' central style, and blew everyones' minds out of the building. My favourite re-invention pieces include the inclusion of the statement Chanel quilt print onto a biker jacket combined with the wet look tight pants and a sheer overthrow skirt, the classic two piece knitter skirt + jacket set with the bulky quilt print making its' way onto the sleeves, and the multi-coloured knit fabric that makes its' way into each line up time and time again is made into a relaxed overthrow. The chanel shoes tie in each look perfectly and Kal Langerfield kills it once again.

Saint Laurent FW15-16 reminded me of people you see at 12am looking for a good time/drag queens/disco and for some reason I enjoyed that quite a lot. The very tacky leopard print was made instantly wearable and high fashion when transformed into a full, voluminous coat overthrow and paired with a set of killer high boots made the look into one hot mess worthy of a 'wowzers'. The main start of the show was me was definitely the multi-coloured fur; neon colours popped out from the monochromatic line up and made my heart warm. Sheer is definitely a favoured fabric in FW15-16 and we saw it once again in Saint Laurent but this time combined with suit pants and blazer combo to instnalty transform the boring into something spectacular and club worthy.

I love love love Giambattista Valli's designs, full stop. His Haute Couture show was to die for and I literally had dreams about it for a week straight, so I was looking forward to his fw line up and now its here and I'm in love with them just as much, if not more than his haute couture line up. Why? Because this time, his pieces remain so elegant and beautiful, intricate and unique but as so wearable. The problem with Haute Couture for me is that its' great but its' literally unwearable unless you're going to a VERY formal event (or the Grammys like RiRi), I guess that's Haute Couture for you. But this RTW collection is called RTW for a reason; it is ready for you to wear and look god damn beautiful in. Anyone would look like a fairy princess in Giambattista Valli FW15, my favourite look is the centre look (shown above) sooo gorgeous and I'm in love with full length gowns at the moment and this piece just blows my mind.

Louis Vuitton knows how to do it well and of course for winter a bunch of decadent fur coats to please me and everyone else was a must. Yas for high necks and Yas for full length fur coats mimicking a cocoon shape around the human body, acting like a central heater. Also, yas for the addition and inclusion of leather and lace combination, and yas for pointy toe shoes because no Louis Vuitton show is complete without some pointy toe action. My favourite looks from this line up are of course the white full body fur coat, as well as the lace crop sweater + leather pant look. But of course, I cannot forget to mention that the show in itself killed it completely !! Praise the amazing work and efforts gone into the design, production and thought process that was surely needed to create a decadent show that is Louis Vuitton FW15-16.

One of the Japanese designers to make a much loved appearance in Paris Fashion Week for the winter season, Yohji Yamamoto was one of the designers I was looking forward to because of my recent attendance to the Future Beauty exhibition earlier this year in which I had the honour of witnessing his work personally. Instantly, I fell in love with his work and concept ideas, so I was so happy and estatic to see the line up for PFW15. Yohji Yamamoto's collection is an effortless combination of 18th Century Victorian and modern art turned fashion. Fabric play was taken into a great account as Yamamoto wasn't afraid of utilising as much fabric as possible to create a myriad of looks of different shapes and cuts. The show wouldn't be complete without some jaw droppers as models walked out wearing humongously full gowns, gothic 18th century inspired and literally held up by strings: so freaking cool.

Junya Watanabe is yet another Japanese Fashion designer that works to create pieces that shape and change the traditional curves of the human body. For FW15, Junya Watanabe decided to incooporate unconventional fabrics into her pieces to accentuate each piece and add diversity in terms of fabric use. The bubble circle like shapes created add a unique touch and work to make a whole different body out of the one already there. The head pieces create a second head and create an illusion of a flower-esque body. Lovely work from Junya Watanabe and my favourite piece is definitely in the first photo: so voluminous and the wet look black satin material makes the whole garment stand out 100 times more.

Comme Des Garcons never fails to utterly impress (& completely confuse) everyone and anyone with each collection release, and this one was no exception. After witnessing such fantastic pieces in real life at the Future Beauty Exhibition and seeing each look as a work of art rather than just whacky, weird fashion, I have so much appreciation, repsect and love for Rei Kawabuko's work. Kawabuko never fails to create eye-dropping pieces that are creations like no other, stand the test of time and evoke so much thought fro mere fabric. Just think about this for a minute: each one of these looks was once fabric, lying post production, ready to be used. The creativity, the work and the effort taken into creating such beauty of nearly nothing is so ground breaking for me. This art form defies garvity, it defies art, it defies modern fashion. Rei Kawabuko created bee-hive/trashbag couture look so freaking great (it's not acceptable to wear a trash bag in public & look cool) and the addition of a cocoon-like effect creates a whole different shape to the human boyd. Absolutely genius, Rei Kawabuko. One of my favourite line ups and one of my favourite designers of all time. Trashbag couture is obviously my fave.

& that's it!! Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 15 is DONE! Paris absolutely killed it this year and as you can probably tell, the Paris line up was my favourite out of all the Fashion Weeks held this season. A big hand to all the designers for their hard work and efforts; we saw such beauty in FW15 and saw art come to life on the catwalk simultaneously, I cannot wait for next Fashion Week later on this year.
Goodbye Paris, Goodbye FW! Till next time. x



ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOWFASHION.COM

thanks for reading&stay tuned for more...

Vera x