Parisian Fashion - from cheeky peek-a-boo to minimalism

Nearly closing time at Paris Fashion Week and time to say Au Revoir to the fashion season for another six months - sad times!

In general Paris was quite commercial with minimalistic and classic collections. There don't seem to be many new or ground breaking trends emerging!

Designer Pheobe Philo was our favourite French fashion house - Celine showed her trademark modern, minimalistic aesthetic for both S/S and A/W.  Autumn Winter was beautiful, very cool cocoon shape coats - slightly oversized. We saw the oversized look at Milan Fashion Week but Celine's aren't so exaggerated, making these definitely more wearable. Colours in neutral, cream, grey and navy, this collection is easy to wear, low maintenance chic.



Celine A/W
www.harpersbazaar.co.uk

Nina Ricci showed an impressive Autumn Winter collection too, with a 1950's influence. Sexy silhouettes which hugged the body, cheeky lingerie elements such as peek-a-boo bralet/tank tops, and cropped cardigans. Peter Copping manages to design a sexy collection which still remains sophisticated. CarrieMe's favourite was the red jacket with neckline that looked like a sweater tied around the shoulders.

Nina Ricci A/W
www.parisfashionweek.com

Raf Simons caused some controversy with his new collection as Creative Director of Christian Dior. Dior for me has always stood for drama and timeless glamour, yet Raf's collection was a clean minimalistic collection, in contrast to Galliano who always created show stopping, extravagant catwalks. Raf ditched the classic hourglass silhouette for a collection of slim trouser suits and tuxedos in stark shades of black, grey and white for both S/S.

Christian Dior Ready-to-wear S/S
www.parisfashionweek.com

At Milan fashion week the suit was also a strong trend, and maybe with the current economic climate Raf wanted to make things more current, and toned down. I'm just not sure whether Dior diehard fans want to see this though. People like to use fashion to escape the daily mundane by adding a touch of glamour in order to spice up our lives. Final pieces in S/S were full ball skirts in an irredescent type of satin, dressed down with black jumpers.

Christian Dior Final Pieces S/S
www.parisfashionweek.com

Christian Dior A/W
www.elle.com

Dior's A/W consisted of a similar colour palette, but with a touch of red and blue. Outfits were mainly bar jackets, shift dresses, and cocktail dresses - for the party season. Houndstooth fabric finishes were apparent throughout. A little more exciting than S/S's plain collection! This one also featured some Andy Warhol artwork, copied and embroidered onto strapless cocktail dresses.

What do you think of the new Dior image, is it the way forward?