Paris Fashion Week Day 2 Recap: Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and More!

The Parisian streets buzzed with intoxicating energy on Day 2 of Paris Fashion Week! There are few designers that truly bring the magic and wonder in their runway shows, but today saw a few brands a far cut above the rest, including FBD favorite Dries Van Noten. The ‘fashion show’ has evolved with the rise of social media, but the purpose of the runway collection was always to present a view or interpretation that was wholly original with balanced attention to the commercial viability of the products. Despite today’s distractions, here’s to hoping that emerging and seasoned brands alike strive for this magic and wonder in their Fall 2016 collections.

Eccentricity at Maison Margiela

Creative director John Galliano has certainly found his footing at Maison Margiela. This collection was all about ‘beauty and brutality . . . surrealism and realism.’ Yes, these were somewhat vague terms, but it also meant that almost anything could go for his Fall 2016 RTW presentation. Models were walking embodiments of this scattered symphony with dyed hair, comical waist-cinching belts, green clover decals, and military coats; however, with Galliano, we must celebrate the method to his madness.

Exuding Elegance at Dries Van Noten

If you’ve read our previous takes on Dries Van Noten, then you know that team FBD (and Rihanna!) supports the brand’s decadent, art/history/nature-inspired masterpieces. 20th-century femme fatale Marchesa Luisa Casati and the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio were the source of inspiration for the 66-piece collection. The smudged eyeshadow, the cricket sweaters, and the leopard-print pants were lasting touches – it was all controlled drama and in the only way we have come to expect from Dries Van Noten.

Dreaming at Rochas

Dreamy was the word of the hour and so much so, at times the Rochas Fall 2016 RTW collection felt like Spring. Save for a few heavy fur coats, the collection was super bright color-wise: citrus, peach, orange, and chartreuse added shots of lightness. Socks and satin platforms were the perfect festive accessories for Rochas’ version of fall. Even better, you can order looks straight off the runway next week, à la Moda Operandi.

Power Play at H&M

Major excitement was afoot for H&M Studio‘s Fall 2016 RTW collection. The Swedish fast fashion retailer brought out the big guns with a super-famous model line-up. Amber Valletta, Jourdan Dunn, and Natasha Poly led the pack, followed by powerhouses Ashley Graham, Andreja Pejic, Pat and daughter Anna Cleveland. But what about the clothes? Traditional Swedish folk dress was reconstructed into clever crop tops and over-the-knee boots – at least it was a modern-day interpretation.

And The Rest…

Vionnet‘s musical ode to the piano, harpsichord, and accordion generated flowing gowns accented with geometric detailing while Lemaire put forth a rationalized offering, simple pieces in neutral tones. Cédric Charlier played with the seaside through sailor buttons that trimmed pants, jackets, and even a honey-yellow knit dress.