Paris Fashion Week SS16: The Highlights
Paris marks the end of Fashion Month and for some, the most anticipated of fashion weeks. As with New York, London and Milan, Paris showed us that the ‘70s are still a big reference point for designers next season, but so are the ‘80s and, rather unexpectedly, the 17th century. Paris offered us soft femininity, boyish charm and playful prints for SS16, giving us a wealth of looks to choose from come next spring. Take a look at our favourite SS16 collections from Paris Fashion Week below.
French label A.P.C. is renowned for its simple, exceptionally well-cut wardrobe basics that embody Parisian cool. Simple it may be but boring it is not, and that’s what designer Jean Touitou set out to prove this season - and prove he did. Chambray featured heavily in the A.P.C. SS16 collection, seen in boxy tunics worn over jeans, mannish dungarees and boiler suits, and playsuits layered on top of Breton shirts. A dash of femininity broke up the androgynous aesthetic, with short 60s-inspired coats, baby pink smocks and leopard print shirts, dresses and jackets. The standout pieces though, and a new venture for A.P.C., were the black dresses. Simple maxis, asymmetric one-shoulder midis, and loose belted minis provided the perfect selection of LBDs for next Spring/Summer, and for seasons to come. Shop the latest
On the face of it, the Alexander McQueen SS16 collection was soft, pretty and feminine, with some of the pieces not looking out of place on the set of a (albeit slightly risqué) Jane Austen adaptation. It was ethereal and light, with ruffles and embroidered flowers falling down softly tailored floor length dresses, corsets bonded onto delicate white lace, and floral print chiffon that glided effortlessly across the models’ bodies. But as with most Alexander McQueen collections, the pieces went a little deeper than that. Sarah Burton’s inspiration was the Huguenot Protestants who fled persecution in France, seeking refuge in London’s East End, becoming silk weavers and bringing high fashion to Britain for the first time. McQueen’s ancestors were part of this group of refugees, with Burton giving a respectful nod to the label’s founder’s heritage as well as subtly pointing out the similarities to the migrant crisis we’re experiencing today. Shop
The premise behind Parisian label Each x Other is masculine clothing for women, with each collection featuring styles designed by different artists, designers and craftsmen. For SS16, it was the turn of poet Robert Montgomery (whose poem, incidentally, was the original inspiration for the brand) and editor Jefferson Hack (he of Dazed & Confused, AnOther Magazine and Kate Moss fame). The collection was one of contrasts, highlighting the differences between the two collaborators, with rich leaf print suits worn over silky pyjama-inspired jackets, graphic tees worn with floaty paisley print maxi skirts, and corseted bandeaus paired with loose fit striped trousers. Shop the latest
The Kenzo SS16 collection was all about the summer holiday, bringing those endless, carefree days into a woman’s everyday wardrobe with swimwear-inspired bodysuits worn under skirts, dresses and printed waistcoats. Bright, colourful prints were a constant throughout the collection, seen on everything from boxy blouses to plunging loose-fit mini dresses and tailored playsuits. Accessories were equally as impressive; Carol Lim and Humberto Leon took the gladiator sandal to the next level with cut-out leather styles, while handbags came boxy and in bright PVC, or worn as a collection of (incredibly stylish) bumbags sitting on a waist-cinching belt. Shop the latest
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel is the fun, playful side of French fashion for the woman who doesn’t take herself – or her style – too seriously. Denim featured heavily in this collection too, in short coats, long line waistcoats, shirt dresses paired with low slung studded belts, high waisted shorts and loosely fitted dungarees. Hearts and lips were the motifs du jour, printed onto white tees, PVC clutches, leather collars and knitwear, while lurex ankle socks, cardigans, maxi dresses and trousers added an ‘80s element to the whole collection. Shop the latest
