Paris Fashion Week is arguably one of the most influential weeks within the fashion industry. It has a rich history and reputation for wowing audiences year after year. This year was no different, and the craftsmanship and creative flair were at an all time high. Across the board, new and old designers produced influential, innovative shows that will be discussed for decades.
The OG’s
Like always, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent knocked it out of the park. Chanel’s runway show featured one of the brand’s most iconic textiles, tweed. Inspired by its use in Scottish Highlands, tweed skirts and blazers were paired with oversized suits and rubber rain boots. This unique pairing had us dying for more from Chanel.
Louis Vuitton’s show took inspiration from the “beautiful volatility of adolescence.” Drawing off the idea of youth, mixed patterns and comfortable silhouettes were plentiful throughout the show. The use of unexpected oversized menswear pieces really has us playing with the notion of trading in our feminine pieces for something a little more masculine.
Similarly to Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent’s show attempted to blur the lines between masculine and feminine fashion. In order to achieve this idea, the brand presented innovative fur coats and relaxed silhouettes all with an art deco feel.Â
The Notable New
Paris Fashion Week is a great time for new designers to gain popularity and impact the industry. One of my personal favorite shows was by the upcoming designer, Marie Dewet. Marie Dewet started MaisonCléo with her mom back in 2018. Ever since then, MaisonCléo has focused on sustainability, as they only drop one or two unique items each week. Flowing with this idea of slow fashion, the runway show was entirely handmade! Ready to wear knits and belly chains were the star of this show. It’s no doubt we will be seeing more of Marie Dewet and MaisionCléo this year.
Kenneth Ize is already gaining a cult following after his first show at Paris Fashion Week. His iconic textiles give homage to his background. Born in Lagos, Kenneth takes inspiration from the traditional textiles of West African cultures. Combined with structured masculine suits and innovative techniques, Ize’s textiles served as the basis for an unprecedented show.Â
It’s obvious Paris Fashion Week did not disappoint. Fashion brands, new and old, presented some of the most noteworthy silhouettes, textiles and trends. After analyzing dozens of shows, I think we will start to see more masculine silhouettes, accessories and materials hit mainstream stores. Trends like ties, blazers and belly chains will definitely make their way to everyone’s closet due to their accessibility and low price. Overall, the designers featured during Paris Fashion Week truly killed it and will continue to influence the way we look at fashion.