Saint Lauren
With rumors of his upcoming departure at Saint Laurent swirling, Hedi Slimane held part two of the brand’s fall-winter 2016 collection at Paris Fashion Week–the French brand’s first couture showing since 2002. The designer looked to the 1980s with puffed up sleeves, mini balloon skirts and asymmetrical, one-sleeve designs. It may be couture, but do not expect your typical gowns from Slimane. The hemlines were short and youthful with the silhouettes form-fitting.
The Saint Laurent woman pairs her party dress with a leather moto jacket, hot pink heels and a wide belt around the waist. A slicked back hairstyle, kohl-rimmed eyes and a glossy red lip brings a maximalist beauty look to Paris Fashion Week. If this is Slimane’s last show for the brand, he has certainly made his mark.
Hermes
Hermès creative director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski presented a fall-winter 2016 collection with serene elegance. The show opened with satin pieces in a bronzy hue layered over turtlenecks. A focus on outerwear featured funnel necklines as well as chunky cashmere sweaters in neutral grey. Belts brought a fit and flare shape to the knitwear pieces. Suede embellished with silver studs bring a bit of attitude while Hermès’ signature leather is featured on long gloves, mid-length skirts and glossy boots with chunky heels. For the finale, the show ended with double-faced silk dresses and billowing shapes.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney brought her signature ease to Paris Fashion Week with the unveiling of her namesake label’s fall-winter 2016 collection. Autumn focused on parka jackets, ruffled gowns and lush velvets. With oversized shapes and long proportions, the Stella McCartney woman dresses for herself and not anyone else.
The designer also took on the slip dress with plissé and metallic lace embroideries. Destroyed denim with lace-up details brought a casual factor to the lineup. A fur free designer, McCartney’s coats use velvet in lieu of animal skin while also being feather free. Known for her whimsical prints, McCartney placed swans on pants, shirts and dresses.
Givenchy
Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci delved into the world of the Ancients with the brand’s fall-winter 2016 collection inspired by Ancient Egypt, but spun with a Victorian twist. The Italian designer featured armored like tops and tailored officer’s coats for the opening looks. From there, kaleidoscopic prints and furs with animal spots were a standout. Prints featured the Eye of Horus, a recurring theme on Egyptian artwork, as well as stripes and wings.
The dress silhouette is one we have seen before from Tisci, a long sleeve with a mid-length skirt that flares at the waist—but this time done in the standout prints. Notable models like Irina Shayk, Candice Swanepeol, long-time muse Mariacarla Boscono, as well as Bella Hadid (who walked exclusively for the show) made an appearance on the catwalk. A knee-high boot with a chunky stiletto heel complemented the raised hemlines perfectly.
