French fashion is always classy, sophisticated and luxurious. Quirky twists are considered and impeccably constructed. The look is never fussy, with clean lines, fabulous textures and only the best quality fabrics deserving of an outing on Madame Francais! I imagine ladies of leisure elegantly gliding along the Champs Elysees, dressed in Chanel boucle suits and red lipstick (stereotype, hmmm maybe). So, to Paris fashion week, and oh what joy, I was certainly not disappointed! Today's inspirations...
French Fancies...
The Louis Vuiton collection had a distinct twenties theme, an era which I particularly love for the beautiful, daring and controversial fashions. I love the plunging v-neck of this sheer dress and antique gold lace detail. With black ribbon and tassel earrings emphasising the lines and creating a sharp edge to the dress. Stunning I think, and although I'd probably (make that, definitely) wear a black camisole underneath, this look is one I would love to re-create in my own incarnation.
I love pretty tea dresses, easy to wear, cut mid thigh and great for all the year round. Worn with jewel encrusted sandals in the summer and opaque tights with heeled ankle boots in the winter. The dresses in Valentino's collection really tickled my fancy and the stunning rose shade tiered affair was a favourite. The addition of a skinny pussy-bow detail, as seen throughout the collection, also plays into the seventies trend, set to be about over the next two seasons.
Zac Posen, J'adore, J'adore! The whole magical collection nearly made me cry with desire and sheer adoration for such genius! I am absolutely coveting this amazing dress, with an almost dip dye appearance, how I love the way the the tonal greys and blacks flood into one another with all the softness of a watercolour painting! Contrasted subtly with the tide of cream floaty gorgeousness in the skirt and a naughty wisp of sheer black under layering, this is surely what dreams are made of. I urge you to look at the whole collection where you will find, divine body stockings, flashes of burnt orange (so ss'11 remember!) and feather flourishes. I really cannot gush enough!
Okay, so maybe some of you won't like this, but as I was sitting watching the X-Factor last Saturday, I couldn't help but shed a lustful glance towards a pair of metallic silver leggings worn by one of the Belle Amie girls. When I was looking through Gareth Pugh's collection, I was struck by these beauties and the adorable dress which accompanies them. I'm sorry...
I'd like to see myself as a bit of a rock chick and so the Balmain show really appealed to my rough and ready side! The skinny leather pants, stone wash denim jackets and slouchy jersey vests were right up my street and easy to translate into an every day look.
And so to end this merry foray for one more day, what better way to do so than with a bit of Chanel! So I have doused myself in my favourite scent, Chanel Mademoiselle and off I go. The tweeds, the boucles, the frayed edging, sure enough they were all there on the catwalks yet again. Just as they should be, I might add! One weekend, with limited means last winter I came upon a Chanel inspired jacket in Next (which I may choose to share with you on the blog at a later date). The said midi-cropped jacket is in a lovely tweed with barely there metallic thread running through, two mini pockets and frayed edging. A delight to wear on every occasion and definitely a keeper!
Tomorrow, Milan xxx
