Paris Fashion Week: The Streets
Before we get into the shows.....
Before we get into the shows.....
So, yes. I finally got myself to Paris Fashion Week, and let me tell you… it was definitely an experience.
At the start of the year, I casually whispered to myself, "I’m going to Paris Fashion Week." And guess what I did? Just THAT. Fashion Talk packed its bags and jetted off from New York to the City of Lights. Whew, talk about the power of manifestation.
Now, let's talk about the juicy bits. PFW was a wild rollercoaster of shows. Casablanca did its thing with a collection that screamed pop culture approval. Then there was Commes des Garçons and Marni who brought the party with their colorful, playful vibes. Marni even threw some AI-generated design into the mix, because, why not not fuse fashion and technology in this day and age?
Meanwhile, Hermès and Givenchy were all about the chic life, serving up contemporary elegance in soothing neutral tones. And Balmain? Well, they wowed me with a jaw-dropping collection, straight out of a floral wonderland. Olivier Rousteing did an excellent job drawing inspiration from the brand’s treasure trove of archives.
But before we really get into the Spring Summer 2024 shows, let's take a minute to stroll down the memory lane of the Parisian streets. Just like the fashion shows, the streets of Paris were a melting pot of trends, both old and new, mixing up summer and fall vibes to create a whirlwind of fun and eye-catching outfits. It was like fashion on the move! So what were some of the recurring trends I noticed? 👇🏾
Tune into Fashion Talk for an exclusive, front-row look at my Paris Fashion Week journey.
Business As Usual … With a Twist
Amidst the hustle and bustle of crowded streets, relentless honking from impatient drivers, and art seamlessly woven into the city's fabric, there's one thing that remains constant in the lively chaos of Paris: people confidently out and about in their most stylish ensembles. Yep, it was all business as usual on the electrifying Parisian streets.
Picture this: Paris, the city of couture and croissants, where the streets themselves are a runway. Now, you might think that during Paris Fashion Week, it's all about high-end fashion, right? Well, yes and no.
One trend that caught my eye and practically winked at me from the sidewalks was what I like to call "Business As Usual" with a twist. People were sporting office-inspired wear, but this wasn't your typical 9-to-5 attire. Nope, people were throwing their own flavor into the mix, giving the classic office look a dose of personality.
We're talking fur jackets thrown over white collared shirts, thigh-high boots that could stop traffic, shorts that said "carefree but I’m bout my business" and those who are more daring even skipped the whole 'shirt underneath' thing.
Parisians sure know how to make a statement on the street.
Playful Knits
As the weather plays its usual game of tricks, casual layering steps into the limelight. In a city where unpredictability is the norm, Parisians have honed the art of weathering the elements in style. While you might expect a muted color palette to prevail – classics like black and white reigning supreme – it was the contrary.
As Paris embraced gloomier skies, show attendees remained as unwavering as ever in their commitment to splashes of vibrant color. The cloud-covered skies didn't stand a chance as people walked the streets drenched in brilliant yellows, blues, and reds that could rival a summer's day. With jackets that were practically works of art themselves and accessories that turned heads, one probably didn’t even notice the cloudy days.
These playful knits weren't just for warmth; they were like the secret sauce that added texture and spark to the streets of Paris. In a city where fashion isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life, those very streets transformed into a canvas, and each passerby was an artist, creating their own masterpieces.
The “No Pants” Look
Now, let's talk about a trend that's making waves – the "No Pants" look. I guess who needs pants when you can make a statement without them?
In this transitional moment, where the warmth of summer lingers and the chill of Fall starts to creep in, the streets of Paris turned into a runway for those who weren't ready to say goodbye to the last warm days of September. Cropped jackets layered over shirts and cardigans, all paired with standout underwear, might just leave you wondering, "Is it hot or cold?"
Showgoers at Paris Fashion Week decided to skip the conventional bottoms and, instead, chose to showcase intricately designed underwear as their centerpiece. Picture this: sleek tights paired with statement undies. And where do you think they proudly flaunted this daring choice? Well, none other than the Miu Miu show, where the brand has taken the lead in this movement by unveiling a pair of $5,600 sequin-covered underwear. Sounds crazy, right??
Fashion can be such an enigma.
Fairycore
Now let’s venture into the world of “Fairycore” dressing, a trendy, dreamy aesthetic that's been making waves on Pinterest and TikTok. It's like stepping right into the pages of a classic fairy tale, and let me tell you, it's a hit among young fashionistas.
Imagine dressing to transport yourself into a world of magic and whimsy, the kind that makes you feel like a character from a fairy tale. That's the essence of Fairycore. It's all about crafting an atmosphere that whispers of fairy tales come to life. And the best part? The range of it all. From vintage outfits to luxury ensembles from Hermès (see woman in red), showgoers at Paris Fashion Week embraced the full spectrum of Fairycore fashion. It's a style that's all about crafting your own fairy tale, one outfit at a time, and PFW was the perfect stage to showcase this trend.
Autumn Brown
As the week gradually advanced, there was a shift in the air that echoed the changing color of the leaves. It was as if a collective realization had washed over everyone—Fall had indeed arrived, and it was time to wholeheartedly embrace its contemplative palette.
The streets turned into a canvas of monochromatic browns, reflecting the depth and richness of the season. But here's where it gets exciting—amidst the earthy tones, accents of burnt orange and jewel-like hues sparkled. It was a collective warm embrace of the impending fall, as if the city itself had dressed in harmony with the changing seasons.
Arm Candy
Let’s turn our attention to the exquisite "Arm Candy" on display at Paris Fashion Week, where bags took center stage as the ultimate finishing touch to an ensemble. I love a good accessory so this was my favorite part.
Undoubtedly, the bags were the stars of the show. They came in a glorious array of styles, from vibrant bursts of color to sleek and clear designs that added a touch of modern chic. Not to be outdone, classic black and earthy browns made their mark too, proving that sometimes less is more when it comes to making a statement.
But what truly stole the spotlight were the standout brands that people chose to sport. Showgoers completed their outfits with Louis Vuitton bags which were nothing short of works of art. Marni brought a playful twist to the scene with puffy polka dot bags. And then there was Steve Madden, offering bags that effortlessly combined trendiness with everyday practicality.
These bags weren't just accessories; they were conversation starters, mood lifters, and the perfect way to express one's unique style.
Pattern Mixing & Whimsy Wearables
Pattern mixing and whimsy wearables swept the streets of Paris during Fashion Week. It was a carnival of creativity, where people fearlessly combined bold and playful prints to craft head-turning ensembles.
Patterns clashed but also danced together in a harmonious chaos against the backdrop of a monochromatic canvas. But the fun didn't stop there. It went even further into the realm of whimsy wearables.
Imagine a jacket (well you don’t have to imagine it because the picture is right there) adorned with 3D butterflies that seemed ready to take flight or an entire outfit by the Japanese streetwear brand Doublet that was nothing short of a joyful exploration of humor and borderline strangeness.
Paris Fashion Week was a stage for showgoers to wear their imagination on their sleeves, literally. It was a celebration of the unexpected, a reminder that fashion is not just about clothes; it's a canvas for self-expression and creativity.
What were some recurring trends you noticed on the streets of Paris this past week?
Stay tuned for my Paris Fashion Week runway reviews coming in 3…2…1…
For updates, follow Fashion Talk on Instagram.
