Paris Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar, showcasing the latest collections from the industry’s most renowned designers. This year’s event did not disappoint, setting the stage for the upcoming season with spectacular performances and collections. From haute couture to ready-to-wear, the streets of Paris are filled with styles and trends that are sure to excite fashion lovers everywhere.
African trends
In his haute couture collection shown in Paris on Thursday, Imane Ayisi mixed raffia-lined dresses with brightly colored skirts, worked with sequins or airy silk edges.
“This is a window into the techniques of African artisans,” Ayisi said.
Models walked down the runway in an ornate mansion near the Arc de Triomphe, wearing sculptural dresses and sequined tops adorned with raffia.
The orange, red and green fitted mini dress featured traditional tie dye techniques, with orange Swarovski crystal embellishments added for sparkle.
“We’ve been through very difficult times with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been difficult for everyone; It’s time to try to come back again,” said Ayisi, pointing to the hot pink dress.
The Cameroon-born designer based in Paris is currently featured in the “African Fashion” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Popularity and attractiveness
Thousands of fans lined the Pont Alexandre III bridge on a blustery Wednesday night to cheer as their idols entered and exited – from K-pop star Suga of BTS fame to Anne Hathaway and Kylie Minogue.
But as supermodel Christine McMenamy walked the runway, boos echoed through the aptly named Bridge Club venue. Director Baz Luhrmann spoke to The Associated Press (AP) about the “Elvis” film’s Academy Award nominations.
Valentino Le Club Couture
In the year As the 1980s echoed “Fade to Grey” through the stone arches of Visage’s underground club lounge, fashionistas — including Anna Wintour and couture favorite Luhrmann — watched as they tapped their feet.
It was a show put together for club kids.
In an irreverent take on classical couture, designer Pierpaolo Piccioli played with Valentino codes from thousands of feathers and evening jackets to make micro tops from tulle bows.
In the year In the 1980s, the spirit of fun had a lot of fun on the road, covering his designs with polka dots.
Dressed in ruffled lace trenches and a sequined dress – straight out of the late Visage singer Steve Strang’s wardrobe – guests grabbed their cameras.
A seemingly delighted Minogue says the show is about “how to break free from the rules and live in your true self… Tonight you’re in Paris. You’re in the middle of it all.”
Valentino continued his clubbing with a couture DJ at Maxime’s, as guests fled in limousines to escape the screaming crowd.
‘Elvis’ candidates
As Wintour introduced Luhrmann, along with Hathaway and other guests, there were many congratulations for the Elvis biopic, which earned eight Oscar nominations, including best picture.
“There’s no ‘I’ in it – only ‘we’. And then there’s this thing called the miracle of Austin Butler,” said Baz Luhrmann, referring to the 31-year-old’s best actor nomination for playing Elvis Presley, adding, “That doesn’t happen every day.”
Luhrmann spoke about Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley, who died earlier this month.
“I really feel for my family, we miss you so much.”
The model will fail
McMenamy was knocked down twice in a row, stomping the boards in place of Valentino.
Dressed in an embellished floral knit dress and pink gloves, the veteran model, 58, was seen stretching her legs on the audience’s balcony. McMenamy tossed aside her high heels and continued, despite her seemingly injured ankle.
YouTube’s head of fashion and beauty, Derek Blasberg, praised her resilience in a video, saying, “They don’t call her a supermodel for nothing! … Bravo,” he said.
Ellis gets the edge
Italian designer Sofia Crociani channels her Mediterranean heritage for classical couture on display at Ellis on Thursday. Croatiani started the house six years ago as an ecological, ethical and sustainable label.
For spring, a loose dress featuring bands of embroidered sequins with Grecian motifs on a dramatic curved white sustainable fabric.
Embellished ribbons drape over the shoulders to create a beautiful swag as the model walks.
Glitter and glitter are used throughout for a show that exudes vintage elegance.
Lengths of heavy satin and silk were sometimes generously employed on full skirts in gathered, draped or ruffled pastel shades.
Then Croatiani went disco – with shimmering threads creating grid layers on a shoulderless micro-gown.
