I've always dreamed of gong to Paris. With Paris Fashion Week (PFW) flooding my Instagram feed and the show Emily and Paris coming out around the same time, I now want to go more than ever. I mean, who wouldn't? Paris is home to the most iconic fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. The fashion shows are typically more exciting and extravagant than anywhere else in the world. It's the grand finale of Fashion Month for good reason. Sadly, it was another season where I couldn't experience the magic of PFW in person, so I decided that I was going to at least experience it virtually. (In between re-watching Emily in Paris of course!)
Just like the other fashion capitals, Paris had to take precautions due to the pandemic. However, most designers opted for in-person shows. These shows required audience members to sit six feet apart and wear a mask of course. All of the shows were filmed or livestreamed and are available on their official website. Since Paris is the home to so many famous fashion houses, I tried to watch as many as possible. Of course, there were a few that stood out to me, so I'm going to discuss my favorites below.
Christian Dior
Dior's fashion shows have always been some of my favorites. They always have amazing concepts and beautiful sets, and of course, the clothing is stunning. Their S/S '21 collection was no different. This collection, just like many other designers this season, was inspired by comfort. Although Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director, has a different idea of comfort than the rest of us wearing sweats and lounge sets. Chiuri adapted the silhouettes from the iconic suit that Dior is known for and transformed them into ones that are more comfortable, but nonetheless, still flattering and chic. The collection was also inspired by her Italian upbringing and ease of Italian style. In typical Dior fashion, the show featured a live singing group, Roseblood, and stunning stained-glass windows at the back of the runway. While I couldn't imagine myself wearing any pieces of the collection, I was wowed at the attention to detail and the production itself.
Balmain
No lie, I think I have watched this show at least ten times since PFW. The collection was stunning, and the show concept was so clever. Plus, who doesn't love "Blinding Lights" by the Weekend? The show opened with the designer himself, Olivier Rousteing walking down the runway and sitting on a stool. Shortly after, six older models walked to runway in a slow, indirect path as a French monologue played (according to Vogue Runway this monologue was about the elegance of French fashion and how black is a young color). The models and Rousteing then made their exit, back down the runway. After, the rest of the models came out in groups as "Blinding Lights" played. Each group coming out in different formations and walking different patterns. At this time, a virtual audience appeared on three rows of television screens including Anna Wintour, Cara Delevingne, and Kris Jenner. I was obsessed with this collection. It included many oversize blazers in bright colors and trendy biker shorts. His entire S/S '21 collection showcased French elegance, but with a modern twist. The show ended with two young kids in chic blazer sets who walked out with a remote and turned off the virtual audience. Overall, I enjoyed this show and love the way it used technology to bring the collection to a wider audience.
Isabel Marant
As someone who's constantly overdressed, Isabel Marant's S/S '21 collection spoke to me. This collection definitely did not reflect the current time, but that's what made it great. Marant told Vogue Runway that fashion is about enjoying life, and that positive view is what is needed right now. While the collection was not made for any particular occasion, the clothes were obviously inspired by club wear. There was a playfulness yet a sense of glamour to every piece. I, of course, was in awe over most of the pieces, and would totally buy the outfit pictured above if I had a few thousand more dollars in my bank account. The show was an exciting one as it featured dancers performing to a remix of "I Feel Love", as models walked through. All of this took place at the beautiful Palais Royal which created a beautiful backdrop. While watching, I truly felt transported to another time. While we can't exactly have nights out any time soon. I will be looking for affordable dupes of this collection, but probably just to be overdressed in the comfort of my own home.
Chanel
Writing about PFW and not including Chanel would basically be a sin. Chanel is probably the most well-known fashion house in all of Paris and maybe even the entire world. This being said, many movie stars have worn Chanel on the red carpet, and that's exactly what their S/S '21 collection was all about. The show took place at the stunning Grand Palais (where it does every season) and included large letters that spelt out Chanel, meant to look like the Hollywood sign. Models walked in front of the large letters showcasing a collection inspired by actresses. Creative director, Virgine Viard, wanted the collection to represent what a star would wear on screen and off. This meant gowns, t-shirts, and their iconic tweed suit. This made the clothing both timeless and edgy. I truly think there was a piece in the collection for every woman. I am still dreaming of the day where I'll be able to afford Chanel, but in the meantime, I'll just re-watch this show and pretend that I can.
Louis Vuitton
When I think of Louis Vuitton, I always think of their iconic logo bags, and, honestly, I sometimes forget that they make ready-to-wear collections. Their S/S '21 collection was streetwear inspired, and genderless. Personally, it's not what I would have expected from the brand, but I enjoyed many of the outerwear pieces and oversized pants. What I loved the most was the virtual experience. While the show had an in-person audience, they also had a virtual audience. Next to every seat was a 360-degree camera for a guest watching virtually. From the comfort of their homes these guests were able move their camera around and get a full view just like if they were at the show in person.
There were so many more amazing presentations I could have discussed because when it comes to Fashion Week, Paris just does it better. I'll be dreaming of the day when I can experience this amazing event in person, but for now, I'll just binge Emily in Paris for a fourth time!
To experience Paris Fashion Week for yourself: Paris Fashion Week (fhcm.paris)
All photos and additional information found from: Fashion Shows: Fashion Week, Runway, Designer Collections | Vogue
XOXO,
Kristin
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