Paris Spring 2009: Chanel

One of the most anticipated fashion shows is with no doubt Chanel. For Spring 2009, Karl Lagerfeld impressed everyone with his runway decor, as he decided to bring Chanel’s home 31 Rue Cambon as he stage a life-size facade of the building into the Grand Palais. The charming theme was inspired by a grayish portrait by Marie Laurencin who painted Mademoiselle Coco Chanel in the twenties. The classic tweeds, bows, and camellias were back with a touch of pink sheerness, romantic ruffles, sparkly embroidery, bold accessories and the delicious French chic magic. My favorite? I love the combination of pink, sheer, and tweed!

* Chanel Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: Hermès

I am in love with the cactus desert sands of the Hermès runway! Designer Jean Paul Gaultier took the Hermès collection for Spring 2009 straight to the wild wild West and it was a pleasure to watch. The runway show was opened by none other than supermodels Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell. The equestrian heritage brand, Hermès which is well identified by the sophisticated world traveler is safe in the creative hands of the talented designer Gaultier. The classic house scarf was creatively twisted into a bandanna and ponchos were made elegant by square-cut cashmere knits and day dresses. The much desired accessories of the brand were stunning including the soft suede riding boots, the riding gloves, the exotic crocodile clutches, the canvas and leather suitcases and the fringed Birkin bags.

* Hermès Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: Jean Paul Gaultier

The cute show started out with a trio of modern dancers who danced on the runway. Gaultier’s favorite girl and one of my favorite models, Coco Rocha, reprised her Riverdance moment from Fall 2007 as she joined in the dance. She then took the stage wearing her dance shoes in a fuchsia dress which turned out to be a leotard. This was a ballet inspired collection featuring fitted suits, shirts tied in the back over high waist jersey pants, and flowing dresses. The hairstyles were really cute as the girls with their pinned up hairs under head wraps in true ballet fashion.

* Jean Paul Gaultier Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: John Galliano

John Galliano said that the inspirations for his Spring collection were “James Gillray and the Queen Mum.” This translated into the giant plumed military helmets, transparent dresses and the many florals. However, one does not need to understand British history in order to appreciate the beautiful collection. By far one of Galliano’s most wearable collections up to date, this was a sweet delight for the eyes. The dreamy flowing dresses made of delicate and soft materials in bright colors were as if taken out of a fairy tale. Floral prints, impressive beading details and the romantic sheer transparency made his dresses the highlight. As the models walked on the runway, one could almost feel that they would fly because of the pretty flowing dresses. In contrast, the location was on the harder side as it was in the industrial garage in the outer suburbs where the Paris metro trains are repaired. My favorite? The dresses and the soft combination of pinks, greens, orange and florals.

* John Galliano Paris Spring 2009

Christian Dior Spring 2009 Hot Tribal Shoes

Beware: what you see is only to touch, admire and lust after but not, I repeat not, to wear! These were actually featured as one of the top most dangerous Spring 2009 shoes in a post for New York Magazine. And judging by their Everest-high heels, I can definitely agree. However, these are a work of art and like anything that John Galliano does, these are the tip of the wildest and most beautiful imagination possible. To die-for-gorgeous, the stilettos have a woman statue figure as its heels, which is the African fertility goddess figurine and are inspired by Galliano’s visits to Africa as was his entire collection. The “Tribal Chic” spring 2009 is rich in these artwork shoes which are a loving pleasure to look at. And knowing women’s temptations to own shoes even if we cannot walk a step in them, these will certainly be on the list of must-haves for many, even it is just to look at them and dream that we can feel no pain with such heights. Oh, sweet loves, tonight I’ll dream of thee!

Model Faints at Alexander McQueen Show in Paris

The Alexander McQueen fashion show for Spring 2009 in Paris started out really refreshing and fun, especially when the designer showed up at the end in a bunny suit along with his animal friends, like the polar bear, the cute tiger and the deer (you can look at the picture below.) The show wasn’t all fun as unfortunately one of the models fainted on exiting the stage at the end of her catwalk and did not even make it out for the final catwalk closing the show. Reportedly, the model was Abbey Lee who looked extremely pale and distressed while on the runway. Although, the cause is not yet known, the corset she was wearing looked dangerously tight and one might speculate whether it had something to do with the collapse. One thing is for sure, we all hope that she is doing well!

Paris Spring 2009: Christian Dior

Very atypical collection for the extravagant John Galliano as the clothes were so femininely wearable. Short beautiful dresses with sheer skirts, exotic python and animal prints and fire colors like orange and pink were among the favorite standouts. Although, the collection may have seemed a bit too conservative for the creative talent of Galliano, it certainly showed a softer, younger side of the designer. And I literally cannot take my eyes off these hot short dresses!

* Christian Dior Paris Spring 2009 Part 1

* Christian Dior Paris Spring 2009 Part 2