The back-to-back fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris have concluded. The bedbug infestation that plagued Paris Fashion Week remains ongoing. For those who missed out on the fashion events and parties, here is a collection of articles highlighting the most memorable shows, clothes, and moments from fashion month.
The Many Shades of Paris:
During Paris Fashion Week, photographer Simbarashe Cha noticed that instead of a single dominant color, designers and attendees embraced a variety of shades. Summery yellows, autumnal oranges, vibrant greens, and dusty fuchsias and pinks brightened up the runways and the streets.
A Label’s Growing Influence:
While Chanel and Louis Vuitton’s runway shows have become more niche, Miu Miu has quietly become one of the most influential fashion labels. Miu Miu’s collections have not only influenced street fashion but also other catwalks throughout fashion month. John Galliano remains engaged in world-building through his fashion shows for Maison Margiela.
Playing Peekaboo on the Runway:
Valentino’s latest collection challenged traditional notions of female autonomy by separating nudity from sex. The most revelatory pieces were simple cotton and rough linen garments intricately pieced together with complex collages of shapes, like doves, pineapples, and butterflies.
PETA Crashes Fashion Month:
PETA returned to runway crashing during this fashion season, protesting at shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
Should Clothes Challenge the Status Quo?
Fashion goes beyond just wearable and whimsical pieces. Brands like Yohji Yamamoto, Y/Project, Balenciaga, and Loewe successfully thread the needle between wearable and wacky, offering unique and innovative designs.
The Latest High-Tech Fashion:
Coperni showcased the Ai Pin, a smart assistant that attaches to clothing via a magnet, while the Anrealage show demonstrated Anvisual photochromic technology, transforming clear PVC garments into multicolored outfits via ultraviolet light.
Final Shows for Two Female Designers:
Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and Gabriela Hearst of Chloé presented their last collections for each brand at Paris Fashion Week. Both shows were memorable and featured special appearances and performances.
A New Model-Off-Duty Style:
Several designers in Paris showcased bold and unconventional styles, straying from the concept of quiet luxury. Balmain, Marni, Rabanne, and Schiaparelli presented eye-catching and unconventional designs.
Alien Preppy and Butterflies in Skirts:
Dries Van Noten and Undercover delivered exciting and confusing collections, showcasing twisted takes on preppy fashion through unique and unexpected details.
A Designer (Sort of) Does a Double Take:
Designer Peter Do held shows for both Helmut Lang and his own line in Paris, receiving mixed reviews for his Helmut Lang collection but presenting a strong show for his own line.
Two Paris Stalwarts Play It Safe:
Dior and Saint Laurent, once known for bold and groundbreaking designs, presented luxurious but safe collections during Paris Fashion Week.
Milan Designers Take Different Directions:
While short shorts were a prevalent trend in Milan, different approaches informed the collections showcased. Some labels leaned into their archives, while others experimented with silhouettes and fabrics. Bottega Veneta and Diesel went out on a limb with unique and memorable designs.
A Long-Awaited Gucci Show:
The Gucci show in Milan garnered significant attention, showcasing the brand’s latest offerings.