Highlights Paris Fashion Week SS2011

The fact that fashion shows are becoming more of a spectacle every year became especially clear in Paris. Like always Chanel’s show area was mind blowing. Also, Kenzo’s fortieth anniversary at Cirque d’Hiver was a show to remember. Then we had Viktor and Rolf with their enormous wedding dresses and beautifully illustrated backdrop. And of course there were the horses at Hermes and there was Beth Ditto’s runway début at Jean Paul Gaultier.

As for the fashion, Paris felt a bit more punky and raw (Balenciaga, Ackermann). Plus we saw many minimalistic shows like Chloé, Celine, Costume National and Stella McCartney (partly).

Lanvin
Alber Elbaz’ collection for Lanvin was everything we’d expected and more. He designed gorgeous feminine and asymmetric dresses and flowing skirts women actually want to wear. He used pleating and draping, yet made his designs very body tight too.

Givenchy
For next spring Givenchy felt rather dark, punk and techno. There was a lot of black and white, long silhouettes and sleeveless statements jackets. Tisci chose sheer and leopard printed fabrics and added lots of zippers to his creations. It all felt daring, new and very appropriate for the Givenchy girl.

Stella McCartney
Celebs like Salma Hayek, Beth Ditto, Liv Tyler and father Paul McCartney all witnessed the great show of Stella McCartney. The designer came up with a mix of minimalistic and ultra-sexy clothing. Therefore manly en feminine silhouettes alternated each other. The sober looks, as well as the fruit printed outfits (a new trend also seen at Moschino and Prada) all seemed great for next season.

Haider Ackermann
Ackermann’s fashion show ended with lots of applause from the audience and he sure deserved it. His elegant and modern collection was very impressive. There was lots of leather. Long skirts were narrow and sleeves motor-jackets looked tough. Shoulders were small and razor-shape and his signature cropped jackets often had an open back. The color-palette of black, royal reds & blues and a shot of yellow were a perfect match.

Balenciaga
Ghesquiere’s collection for Balenciaga felt very streetwise. The fact that he had scouted six models straight from the streets might have had something to do with that. Those six girls as well as Stella Tennant, Carolyn Murphy, a pregnant Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bundchen wore his pied de cock dresses in black, white, blue and red. There were colorful printed sleeves blouses, asymmetric tops and there was quilted leather. The overall look was boyish and felt very Balenciaga.