The final segment of fashion month is upon us – Paris Fashion Week, known for its disproportionately high number of luxury labels and crushingly inaccessible fashion, featured collections by Sonia Rykiel, Dries van Noten, and Rochas, among others on Wednesday. Whereas New York Fashion Week is the most commercial of the big four fashion shows, and Milan Fashion Week exists for shock value (, anyone?), Paris sets the trends for the coming season.
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
Like her Pre-Fall 2014 collection, Rykiel drew inspiration from Japanese street style for the little-sister line of her namesake. And as one would expect from a youthful, contemporary line, this one is infused with polka dots, stripes, and floral patterns, all hemmed above the knee. The collection’s sartorial effortlessness and lightheartedness is a refreshing alternative to the more complex looks we usually see at Milan and Paris Fashion Week.
Rochas
Speaking of complex, for his show debut, Alessandro Dell’Acqua subscribed to the mantra that ‘more is better’ through his emphasis on layers. Beaded gloves layered over the sleeve of coats; dresses layered over skirts; skirts layered over skirts. The skirts-over-skirts look seem like the most natural progression from last season’s skirt-over-pants look (which is surprisingly chic when styled correctly). However, Dell’Acqua shined best through his more minimalist ensembles. In one look, the juxtaposition of a pastel pink coat, neon yellow gloves, and neutral dress prove more commercially-friendly than, say, the voluminous layered skirt featured below. Though I have to admit, the more I look at the skirt, the more I love it. Would you wear it?
Dries van Noten
Once again we’re seeing long, layered skirts, though Van Noten’s version are midi length instead of floor-grazing (much preferable, in my opinion). A strong point in the collection is Van Noten’s meticulous use of the graphic motif inspired by Bridget Riley’s optical art. The emphasis was on colorful spirals and oversized floral prints that look vaguely Hitchcockian, nearly giving us vertigo. Another strength is the elegant yet languid silhouette that epitomizes Paris street style: eclectic, comfortable, and effortlessly chic.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the modern update to psychedelic references, as well as the loose-fitting clothes.
What do you think? For more looks from PFW, check out my Pinterest board.
*Photos courtesy of British Vogue
