Post-Paris Fashion Week

Dear Readers,

All good things come to an end, and yet another Fashion Week season has drawn to a close. Luckily for us, Paris Fashion Week concluded Fashion Week period, and that is a treat that alleviates us fashionista's melancholy. I always feel like sobbing when Fashion Week Period ends, and sometimes I want to look at the heavens and scream 'WHY? WHY DOES IT HAVE TO END?' but then I realise that it would be too dramatic so I sit quietly and sulk instead.

For my review of Paris Fashion Week and its collections, I decided to adopt a slightly different format than that used for my NYFW, LFW and MFW entries. To put in a few words, I adore Paris. I can't resist buying anything with the Eiffel Tower on it and my room looks like a big Parisian souvenir shop. I adore French fashion designers, and my top designers have all showcased their work during Paris Fashion Week this year. So, in order to maximise my objectivity, I refrain from selecting three favourite collections. Instead I'm going to mention a couple of designers I think deserve a mention (positive or negative) and then highlight some of their characteristics. I'm also posting a picture of my favourite - or in some cases one of my favourite - numbers from the collection.

Balenciaga

I liked: the metallics, the structure of the pieces, the high-waisted trousers, the way waistlines were accentuated, bulky jackets

I didn't like: the benches collapsing shortly before the commencement of the show, an accident which left Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington - amongst others - standing during the entire show. No no!

Overall Vote: 8+

Balmain

I liked: metallics (again!), florals mixed with leather, leather in general, the amazing leather high-waisted trousers. Drool material!

I didn't like: most of the belts, they were too Western-inspired for my tastes.

Overall Vote: 6

Nina Ricci

I liked: the silhouettes' softness, the lace, the crystal and jewel embellishments, the hats

I didn't like: how Nina Ricci failed to impress me overall. I felt this was quite a weak collection.

Overall Vote: 5

Christian Dior

I liked: the preppy, Parisian silhouettes, the hats, the layering using button-up shirts, the colour palette, the necklines

I didn't like: some of the flared skirts.

Overall Vote: 7

Lanvin

I liked: the chicness, the structured shoulders, the colour palette, the skirts, the minimalism, the mesh details

I didn't like: I loved it, full stop.
Overall Vote: 9

John Galliano

I liked: the flamboyance, the sheers, the use of pastel colours

I didn't like: the flared skirts (why are they everywhere?), the white trousers, the excessive use of ruffles

Overall Vote: 5

Givenchy
I liked: the androgynous pieces, the colour palette, the unconventional hems, the long blazer-like waistcoats, the  mixing of textures
I didn't like: the sequin suit. I thought it was a bit tacky.
Overall Vote: 8

Stella McCartney
I liked: the wave-like hems
I didn't like: Pretty much everything else. It was such a disappointment. It was like the models were going to sleep in their pjs.
Overall Vote: 4

Chloe
I liked: the minimalism, the use of peach, the floral pieces
I didn't like: the lack of variety. I felt it was too repetitive.
Overall vote: 5+

Yves Saint Laurent
I liked: the structure, the jackets, the colour palette, the use of slight colour blocking
I didn't like: the halter details
Overall Vote: 7

Chanel
I liked: the classic cuts, the colour palette, the use of pearls as belts, the tweed, the sleeves, the ruffles, THE SETUP, the theme, the shell bags, the metallic shoes, the iridescent pieces, Florence Welch, the structures, the necklines. Hell yes, it's CHANEL!
I didn't like: *looks awkwardly*
Overall Vote: 10

Valentino
I liked: the leather numbers, most of the waistlines, the juxtaposition of lace and leather, the rich fabrics
I didn't like: This collection was almost as good as Chanel's for me. Nothing to hate, really.
Overall Vote: 9

Alexander McQueen
I liked: the lace, the lace headpieces, the originality
I didn't like: the golden suit. Too Oscar-statuette for my tastes.
Overall Vote: 7

Louis Vuitton
I liked: the setup, the colour palette, the eyelets, the mustard eyelet coat and most of all the setup. Carousels are so Parisian!
I didn't like: nothing, at first. I was overwhelmed by the carousel and I kind of overlooked some of the pieces. After a second look, I didn't like the fringes, the flared skirts, the floral add-ons. The skirts were the worse thing though!
Overall Vote: 10 for the setup, 6+ for the collection

So, dear readers, what were your thoughts on Paris Fashion Week? Do you agree with my review or did you prefer someone else other than Chanel?

I hope you all had a great weekend!

-B