FASHION WEEK FINALE - Paris

 JEAN-CHARLES DE CASTELBAJAC

This label is the best when it comes to kitschy subtleties, especially the prints and patterns. The span of graphic motifs throughout this collection was incredible, from the blown-up cable knit cocoon minidress and the screw and safety pin print of the pantsuit to the pre-raphaelite Ophelia (yay for art history references!) in Millais' brilliant brushstrokes. Also, that fox head bodice!

 MIU MIU

After being sadly disappointed by Prada, my fading interest with Miuccia's work was reinvigorated with the arrival of Miu Miu. The classic utilitarian jacket was given a stylish twist and presented in off-the-shoulder hot oranges and navies with large zippers and belted to perfection. The enlargened lapel folding off of the shoulders of the coats was an eye-catching detail along with other aspects such as the dotted neck scarfs and lustrous footwear. Interestingly enough, the more I examine this collection, the more I like it. Bravo. 

VALENTINO I will admit that there have been times where I felt like Maria and Paolo were verging on the matronly/puritan border with their high neck, tight wrist, floor grazing, solid colored dresses, but this collection definitely had a more youthful aspect to it. Quaint frocks done in prim collars, cuffs, and pearl accents were sleek yet equally as elegant as the china floral dresses towards the end. Modern-day princess wear is what it is! 

CHANEL Karl went for an edge this season, sending me messages that mildly referenced his FW11 grunge collection. A predominantly edgy gray and black palette with an abundance of glimmering details, leather, and bountiful hardware kept this collection from verging into middle-aged wear. Again, I love the rounded billowing silhouette of his tweed sets as well as the modern aspects of the high front hem of the first coat to the sweatshirt-y top of the last look. 
images via style.com
This post concludes my month-long coverage of the New York, London, Milan, and Paris, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and trifles :) If you missed any coverage or just want some fashion week highlights, click HERE for all my runway reviews! 
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COUTURE SPRING 2013

 ALEXIS MABILLE

Frothy, feminine silhouettes and saccharine colors were truly the defining points of this collection. I especially loved the lace patches and lattice details coupled with languid skirts. For some reason, the knotted belts seemed to complement rather than distract or throw off the cohesion of the collection; they were a great component for the gowns and blouses. 

 CHANEL

 Karl really hit many different points in this collection but maintained an elegant composure all throughout. I was most intrigued by the juxtaposition of hard and soft in all of the pieces--from the angular sleeves in off-the-shoulder pieces and clean hemlines to the wispy sheer fabrics and frothy floral embellishments. Personally, Chanel couture is either hit or miss for me, but I especially enjoyed this collection (only after I looked at it in its entirety and for a second time, haha).

CHRISTIAN DIOR With this being Raf Simons' only second couture collection for the House of Dior, I found myself comparing it to his initial one and also going back to his days at Jil Sander. Naturally, there were a plethora of similarities regarding his general aesthetic--the elegantly structured skirts of his gowns, his toying with volume in drapery, and the like. There was just something about the textures and hues of these pieces that spoke to me. Simons also covered an astonishing palette that spanned from dark navies to happy brights, muted tones, and gentle pastels.That yellow gown especially, it's definitely a dream dress.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA Oh MMM, always presenting something that confuses and provokes the mind to ponder what we really see. The first two looks I chose were a seemingly simple but then later complex composition of lines, textures, and fabrics that seemed to move fluidly on the body. I found the third look to be an unsuspecting mix; the lapel and the zipper details were almost shocking to see in the elegance of the sequined gown with cascading spiral motifs. Looks four and five were also very entertaining; the geometric bodice of the fourth seemed to have bloomed organic shapes while the bandeau of the fifth exploded with a hodgepodge of feathers and metallic bits. And then, we ended with a pinata like frock made of thousands of candy wrappers. Wildly fascinating. 
images via style.com
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