Isabel Marant’s high-top wedge sneakers are still selling out at every turn and now her Fall 2012 collection has debuted at Paris Fashion Week, giving a slew of celebrities and “It” girls more ready to wear and accessories to covet. Western-inspired was the theme for the season, taking inspiration from cowgirls in the late 1800′s. It was amazing to see just how modern and functional Parisian-born Marant was able to make her Americana-influenced pieces while staying true to her brand’s aesthetic and steering clear of the land of costume.
Button-front blouses with floral embroidery were an anchor in the collection, paired with miniskirts and cropped trousers turned cowgirl with intricate detailing including the same aforementioned floral embroidery, lace-up silhouettes and two-tone coloring taking inspiration from chaps.
Lace was explored on barely-there shorts, high-collar tops and mini dresses: sexy at times and “Little House on the Prairie” at others. The looks were given an edge when paired with the collection’s stitched leather booties and I can almost guarantee that is how the young fashionable set will be rocking the designs in the coming months.
When it comes to Fall, Marant is known for her showstopping furs and outerwear, but this season was pared down: oversized menswear-inspired peacoats, save for one cropped leopard fur.
An Isabel Marant collection would not be complete without some sexy minidresses, and there were enough of studded and ruffled pieces to go around. My favorite was a three-quarter sleeve leather number: the perfect blend of urban cowgirl and rock and roll.
Isabel Marant is one of the most consistent designers in fashion when it comes to her brand’s aesthetic: an admirable characteristic, but I have been patiently waiting for her to break out and try something altogether different. Consistency and functionality have meant success for her brand and are not easy to come by in an industry that runs on change, but too much of either one strips a brand of fantasy, which keeps onlookers and fans wanting more each season without growing bored and disenchanted. Nevertheless, her legion of fans will certainly gravitate towards the leather booties in the collection and all of the European “It” girls and editors will be rocking those cropped pants day in and day out. Overall, I enjoyed the collection and let’s face it: if I can get my hands on a piece I surely will.
What do you think of the collection?
Photos: ELLE.com
March 6, 2012 2:26 am
The black laser cut dress was the only thing that stood out to me
March 6, 2012 9:28 am
um…stick to high tops!
March 6, 2012 10:34 am
Love the grey coat with the red piping, but the rest..um no
March 6, 2012 10:54 am
LOVE everything, love the western theme. Isabel an do NO wrong in my book.
March 6, 2012 11:53 am
I never like to critique another designer’s work…especially since my a$$ aint on the runway yet, but these looks are lackluster….looks like something I’d be able to find in Top Shop or H&M.
March 6, 2012 11:08 pm
That grey coat with the red detailing was the biz…that was the only thing I cared for.
March 7, 2012 3:54 am
Seriously was Joan Smalls in every single runway show this season??? Girl is winning!!!
March 7, 2012 11:07 am
Isabel will always be my favorite designer! But…I feel like I am the only one of her cult following who was not thrilled by this collection. The collection was ok but it is not great like I feel that her other collections are. Maybe it’s just me…
March 11, 2012 4:59 pm
Love it!
July 14, 2012 11:33 am
Sorry IM fans, this collection is on Ambien.