I snapped this young man on my way out of the Jean Paul Gaultier show:
He seemed to be embracing the Malcolm X + Pee Wee Herman look we wrote about here, down to the high water pants. He made the look his own, however, with a velvet blazer with silver piping, oxford shoes with silver accents, and silver and white socks (high waters be darned!).
So while New York shows are high energy celebrity affairs, Paris shows are low key events primarily attended by American and international editors, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts.
So imagine my surprise when I spied Kanye West and Amber Rose creep into the Hussein Chalayan show yesterday. Actually, I was more juiced to see Amber:
After we snapped our pic, I remarked on her cute Alexander Wang dress (whose design she declined to confirm) and tried to get her on the record/video about anything: How has her life and style changed since Kanye? Does she read any of the gossip blogs? Who is Amber Rose?
Want to know what she answered?
“I don’t give interviews.“
I was so disappointed!
It seems they just got here, but I hope she’ll eventually let her guard down. More to come!
After I finished snapping pictures of the front row dwellers, I sat back to take in the show.
Hussein Chalayan is known for his innovative designs, and has incorporated paper, delicate beading, and even flashing lights in the past. His current collection similarly mixed unusual elements: acetate foam like fabrics tailored in sophisticated silhouettes along with more common materials, like leather, molded to the body like plastic:
I fell in love with the collection as I saw the first gray garments making their way down the runway. While I couldn’t identify the material, the construction was flawless and the silhouettes classically chic. With hemlines that graced thigh lines and deep v necks, the fall ’09 forecast was also unabashedly sexy:
Young and fresh, the collection contained many dresses that I would unflinchingly wear for a night out. Even the cowl neck options had clean, simple colors and intricate detail:
While I loved most of the items, Chalayan began moving from right on to totally off with a few cocktail creations showcasing leather details molded to the bust as well as to the backside:
Head scratching pieces aside, the collection was strong. I was also so happy to see Jourdan Dunn walking along with newcomers Kinée Diouf (middle) and Aminata Niaria. I almost cheered!
Being at Fashion Week has intensified my love for anything Louboutin! A slick pair of red bottom shoes is an indelible part of the fashionista uniform. While compiling my wish list of must haves I stumbled across these Arielle A Talon Ankle Boots:
Scream!! There’s nothing like ’em.
At $1, 555, they’re quite an investment, but imagine how many fashion weeks you can get out of them! I’m feeling a summer splurge coming on…
I’m not the only blogger in Paris, and I clearly don’t have an all access pass (yet)!
Check out what’s hot in other Fashion Blogs:
*One of my fave photo blogs, Jak and Jil , captures the looks of Carine Roitfeld and the French Vogue team, along with shots of Louboutins and Choos:
Another indispensable part of the fashion editor’s wardrobe? A pair of paparazzi blocking sunglasses. But don’t think you have to spend hundreds to get the look! If you buy a classic shape, like a pair of aviators…
Are you an indie or beginning designer looking for exposure?
Harvard Business School is holding a fashion show on April 7th, 2009 in Boston, MA and they’re looking for talented designers and independent labels to feature.
Interested? Here are the details:
* Each designer may submit up to six pieces.
* Each designer must electronically submit the following by March 10, 2009: A 1-page word document with designer’s name, address, phone number, email, and brief description (200 word maximum) of your garments/line and 3 digital photographs (front, back, and detail) of each garment or look.
* Portfolios will be accepted only if featured looks are available and indicated as such.
* Sustainable materials are greatly appreciated, but not required.
* Electronic submissions should be sent to jlamas@mba2010.hbs.edu by 11:59pm on March 10th.
* File names should have the following format: designerlastname.firstname.jpg
*Keep in mind the show theme: Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.
Selected designers will be notified by email and asked to bring or send all garments to a model fitting, after which final selections will be announced.
Good luck!