Paris fashion week is now over and
the latest fashion sensations for the autumn/winter 2006/07
season have been released.
The usual stars of the haute couture collections, such as the
John Galliano designs for Christian Dior, did not disappoint.
The Dior show was themed around medieval armour and the Italian
renaissance, with a touch of Blade Runner thrown in. Helmets
encrusted with jewels, glass beads and crystals, with silver
foil, bin liners and pennants used to evoke a modernised sense
of knights jousting while the ladies of the court, wearing make
up influenced by the paintings of Van Eyck and Botticelli,
paraded along the cat walk. Armorial style was further enhanced
by milliner Stephen Jones who was brought in to create replicas
of medieval armour using copper and brass through to even less
traditional materials such as latex, beads and feathers.
Kylie Minogue delighted onlookers by gracing the Chanel show
catwalk following her recent cancer recuperation. Karl
Lagerfeld's creations did not disappoint either with fantastic
modern styled tweed creations, combined with denim boots and
jeweled heels, three-quarter length coats, jeweled fingerless
gloves which flirtatiously left the models shoulders bare, and
tantalizing touches of brocade.
This year men were well represented in the fashion stakes,
following on from years of conservative styling. Collections of
monochrome suits, surfer style inspired prints and cutting-edge
sportswear abounded with unisex portfolios presented in
characteristic style by Jean Paul Gaultier, with possible Dior
future designer, Kris Van Assche, displaying interchangeable his
and hers suits.
Paris fashion is however more eternal than simply the high
profile shows. A quick
flight to Paris or a trip through the channel tunnel and
this style centre of Europe can be within the grasp of any Brit
aspiring to a little bit of European chic.
Paris is a fashion Mecca. All year round the styles in Paris are
constantly changing, leading the way in clothing trends across
the globe, but it is amazing to see this flamboyant city truly
come alive with the arrival of the stars and the week long
bourgeois festival of fashion turns the spotlight on this
region. All the major fashion houses have stores located within
the city, with most situated in and around the Champs-Elysées
area on Avenue Montaigne or the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Armani, Chanel, Dior, Lacroix, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint
Laurent, Versace and Kenzo are just a few of the big names for
those with deep pockets, while many smaller boutiques and
shopping centres provide more affordable fashions for anyone
wanting fantastic styles without the fantastic price tags, and
there is always the ready-to-wear shows coming up in October to
look forward to.
About the Author
Andrew Regan is an online
journalist who enjoys socialising at his local
Edinburgh rugby club. |