Paris Fashion Week Day 7

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen’s show was a tribute to the late fashion editor Isabella Blow, the woman responsible for catapulting McQueen from struggling designer to household name. Isabella met McQueen in the early nineties when purchasing his entire graduate collection for £5,000. Ironically enough McQueen made a fortune from his career in fashion, unlike Blow, the editor responsible for faming the McQueen brand. The show entitled La Dame Bleue was inspired by "extreme glamour – pure Isabella territory".

McQueen pulled out all the stops; his garments held a contemporary form while remaining classic McQueen with the upward curving-shouldered silhouettes and hourglass figures in an east meets west infusion. Futuristic Jetson’s styled thigh skimming dresses in nude pallets were paired with red oversized cinches. Skirt suits were adorned in subdued snake skins and paired with tiny clutches. Layers of Chiffon were strung together forming light transparent dresses as plastic cummerbunds gave structure to the flowing garbs. Double breasted striped jackets accompanied short shorts and body suits. Golden embellishments adorned a star shaped top and an angular embroidered skirt. A fencing motif ran through headgear, and satin-silk pink and black pagoda-shouldered dresses. The kimono was a strong influence as the motif embraced wide cummerbunds and curved shoulder pads. Evening gowns were flamboyant; a pink lavender kimono inspired gown remained the main attraction along with a jet black peignoir featuring an exaggerated train. A golden textured gown with ruffled peaked shoulders closed the show in a truly glamorous manner.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld’s show opened exposing all garments denim; an array of trends shook the catwalk like a blizzard of overlapping motifs. Fifties, stripes and stars, transparent organza garments and satin silk oversized shirts perfect for sleepwear were reminiscent of previous Lagerfeld shows. Curled shoulders and androgynous garbs, the collection encompassed every motif. The show was entitled Nuits d'Été, an idea of a few of the themes displayed at Chanel.

Denim swim suits opened the show; one tiny brief was paired with a sky blue shirt, and a matchbox ankle-purse, no doubt inspired by young Hollywood’s love of SCRAM. Polka dotted retro frocks and Americana stars and stripes followed farm-style playsuits, dungarees and sixties bows. The tattered one piece and ribbed shirt-dress remained among the theme of the free world.

Classic Chanel began to peak through in glimpses of tailored mid-length suits and cropped resort jackets. A sporty line featured Jenna Ward in a pair of spandex tennis shorts and a multicoloured jumper, with racket in hand. A string of pattered vests, pullovers and dresses were adorned in a design of vibrant colours.

An array of nautical loops adorned subdued jet black garments, filled with metallic threads and paired with laced stiletto boots. Translucent organza skirts accompanied star shaped blousons with cinched bows. Evening dresses followed an eclectic array of trends. Translucent gowns textured glittered frocks and stars embraced Lagerfeld’s third show. Cocktail dresses in a variety of hues and shades offered a classic silhouette to an amalgam of motifs.