My first day at Paris Fashion Week was down, now there were four more to go. After a full night's sleep, I was able to get myself out of bed and motivated: a big week lay ahead of me. Shows and appointments were scheduled on the hour, every hour.
In the following days I'd watch the fall collections come down the runways from houses like Hussein Chalayan, Maison Martin Margiela and of course, Lanvin, which celebrated Alber Elbaz' 10 year anniversary. Seeing the shows in the city where couture was born is a different level -- it is true artistry, and the tradition and history is evident in the designs.
And of course, being in Paris is always spectacular, even though I didn't see the sun once. No matter, the monuments and fashionable denizens brightened the days. I ran around the city either on foot, or on the subway because I wanted to make sure to see as much as I could, even though I was working.
Below, my snaps from Paris Fashion Week.
Hussein Chalayan(01 of72)
The show was set in a stark building in the 10th arrondissement. Quite a walk, but nice to be out of the usual neighborhoods. The area was full of wholesale clothing stores, which made me think that perhaps this was Paris' garment district?
Hussein Chalayan(02 of72)
The show was called "Domisilent," and the first look was a sleek red gown. The models' hair was half in a chignon, half messy and on the screen flashed words like "Nature Morte" (dead nature). Though the clothes were much more wearable than they were in the past, there were still those edgy aspects (some of the dresses looked like sandwich boards) that the designer is known for.
Hussein Chalayan(03 of72)
Street style at the Paris Fashion Week shows was a cut above the rest. If you look closely, this gentleman's four-inch platforms had no heels, which is why he had to lean against the wall.
Pierre Hardy(04 of72)
Seeing the fall collection from shoe designer Pierre Hardy was a highlight of my trip. The appointment was held in an old building (well, in Paris, most buildings are old) that used to be Hardy's personal apartment. Wowza. Almost as impressive were the shoes...these are sheared mink, thigh-high stiletto boots.
Pierre Hardy(05 of72)
Color-blocked, wedge heel shoe booties were a treat on that grey morning.
Pierre Hardy(06 of72)
The fresco on the ceiling in Hardy's showroom.
Pierre Hardy(07 of72)
Backpacks are back...what do we think? The leopard style from this fall sold out; this cobalt number is sure to do the same.
Maison Martin Margiela(08 of72)
Model Hannelore Knuts opened the show. One of my personal favorites, the edgy Belgian is the perfect fit for Margiela.
Maison Martin Margiela(09 of72)
Wearable dresses with a touch of quirk -- the leather sleeves were oversized. The show ended with gorgeous coats whose collars stood up almost completely obscuring the face -- the perfect way to hide from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.
Maison Martin Margiela(10 of72)
In keeping with tradition, the staff at Margiela all donned lab coats.
Maison Martin Margiela(11 of72)
Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani was the first to leave the show.
Maison Martin Margiela(12 of72)
Street style star and Italian stylist Elisa Nalin leaving the show.
Lanvin(13 of72)
An emerald green dress was one of the first looks and it sure stood out on the dark runway. The venue was packed and the stars were there in full force: Jessica Alba and Tilda Swinton were seated front row.
Lanvin(14 of72)
The finale walk at Lanvin. He revisited all his classics from the past decade: the jeweled dresses were my favorite.
Lanvin(15 of72)
One of many cakes piled high on a dessert table at the after party for the designer. In true fashion style, the table was untouched, but the bar was mobbed.
Lanvin(16 of72)
No Paris Fashion Week party would be complete without Anna Dello Russo and one of her crazy hats.
Lanvin (17 of72)
I figured that when Emmanuelle Alt left the party, it was time to go. I got this quick shot of her hopping in her town car.
Comme Des Garcons(18 of72)
Designer Rei Kawakubo was inspired by two-dimensional forms, so the looks were literally that: two pieces of felt that were flat without the human body. In person, the pieces were vibrant and beautiful.
Comme Des Garcons(19 of72)
These designs are truly for the fashion-forward.
CFDA Presents "Americans In Paris"(20 of72)
One of the highlights of the trip was attending this presentation. The CFDA designers brought their fall collections to Paris and walked us through in person. This necklace is from jeweler Pamela Love.
CFDA Presents "Americans In Paris"(21 of72)
One of the designers from Creatures of the Wind explained that the wool used in this coat was from a tiny factory in the Scottish Highlands.
CFDA Presents "Americans In Paris"(22 of72)
Designer Monique Pean shows off her creations. All of her pieces are sustainable...and stunning.
CFDA Presents "Americans In Paris"(23 of72)
Designer Prabal Gurung explained the genesis of the prints in his fall collection; he was referencing Georgia O'Keefe's work. I was drooling over how stunning the pieces were in person. Designer Dana Lorenz of Fenton/Fallon did his jewelry, and it was equally beautiful.
CFDA Presents "Americans In Paris"(24 of72)
The finale dress from Ohne Titel.
Chanel(25 of72)
The show took place at the Grand Palais, just off the Champs-Elysees. The mob outside was intense; on my way in a man asked if I would give him the run of show. I politely declined, and then proceeded through three different checkpoints.
Chanel(26 of72)
I knew it was going to be major when I stepped into the dark hallway to get into the venue and something crunched under my feet. It turns out Lagerfeld was inspired by geodes and minerals; life-sized stalagmites greeted me upon entry.
Chanel(27 of72)
Rumors went through the crowd that a baby would be walking the show. The baby (two-year-old son of model Brad Kroenig) even had his own Chanel bag. Where do you go from there?
Chanel(28 of72)
Lagerfeld's mineral inspiration showed: the models' eyebrows were encrusted with sparkles, and their jewelry was full of sharp stones. He maintained everything that we love about the heritage brand though: tweeds, silk chiffons and amazing accessories reigned supreme.
Chloe(29 of72)
Neutral shades dominated designer Clare Waight Keller's second show for Chloe. The emphasis was on coats and knits -- her strong suit from her time at Pringle of Scotland.
Chloe(30 of72)
The finale walk at Chloe.
Chloe(31 of72)
Leaving Chloe I spot this stylish threesome on the Rue de Rivoli. But wait a second, didn't that Alexander Wang patent leather coat just come down the runway in New York two weeks ago?
Eddie Borgo(32 of72)
The jewelry designer was inspired by plumbing, specifically, pipes you see around construction sites in New York City.
Eddie Borgo(33 of72)
These cuffs were heavy enough that just wearing them would be cardio.
Eddie Borgo(34 of72)
Leaving the Eddie Borgo appointent, I caught the subway at this festive station. If only all subway stations looked like this.
Jean Paul Gaultier(35 of72)
My appointment for Jean Paul Gaultier was held at his atelier -- an enormous mansion that dripped with decadence. If these fur chubby coats are anything to go by, this house has not experienced a recession.
Jean Paul Gaultier(36 of72)
Cute and naughty at the same time.
Jean Paul Gaultier(37 of72)
Many of the pieces served multiple functions -- a jacket could be unfolded into a coat, a coat could be unzipped into a skirt and jacket, and here, the fur collar was detachable.
Jean Paul Gaultier(38 of72)
I had the pleasure of walking through the couture showroom. The entire wall is covered with fabric, but you can see the outline of the chandelier and mirrors underneath.
Jean Paul Gaultier(39 of72)
The cone bra in its most fantastic incarnation.
Kenzo(40 of72)
The heritage brand has been in the capable hands of Opening Ceremony's Carol Lim and Humberto Leon for the past year, and is experiencing a revival. This was the entrance into the showroom.
Kenzo(41 of72)
This cheeky sweater was the opening look on Karlie Kloss, naturellement.
Kenzo(42 of72)
The accessories were as strong as the clothes. The detail on this heel was inspired by a poppy.
Kenzo(43 of72)
Delfina Delettrez was responsible for the jewelry. She used actual walnuts and dried fruit in resin.
Kenzo(44 of72)
Covetable accessories.
Nicholas Kirkwood(45 of72)
One of my favorite shoe designers, he took it to the next level this season. These are on my fall "maybe I don't have to pay rent one month" list.
Nicholas Kirkwood(46 of72)
Because every pair of shoes should have its own 'do.
Nicholas Kirkwood(47 of72)
These flats were so cute, and also looked like a welcome refuge for my tired soles.
Nicholas Kirkwood(48 of72)
Never one to shy away from a print, these pretty boots had me at "hello."
Nicholas Kirkwood(49 of72)
Oxford laceups + pretty pattern = shoe genius.
Nina Ricci(50 of72)
One of my favorite shows at Paris Fashion Week, the re-see appointment was just as magical. The house is focusing on accessories, and it shows.
Nina Ricci(51 of72)
These box clutches were like jewels.
Nina Ricci(52 of72)
This feminine cocktail dress had just the right weight to it; it fell beautifully.
Nina Ricci(53 of72)
Is it a coat or a jacket? The cinched waist and fur trim make it a lovely hybrid of two winter staples.
Nina Ricci(54 of72)
The designer is known for knits, and he certainly didn't disappoint.
Lunch With Colleagues(55 of72)
After a morning of running around, how could I say no to this confection? It's almost too pretty to eat...almost.
Place De La Concorde(56 of72)
I had to snap a picture as I was running to the Comme des Garcons appointment.
Pierre Balmain(57 of72)
Balmain debuted a diffusion line last year, and it has been well received. One of our favorite PR people, Danielle McGrory from KCD, was head-to-toe in the designer. Lucky.
Pierre Balmain(58 of72)
There were alot of fur-trimmed coats for fall. I love the winter white and soft shearling on the bottom.
Pierre Balmain(59 of72)
A short film at Pierre Balman...very dark, sexy and moody, just like the clothes themselves.
Pierre Balmain(60 of72)
The arms on this coat were covered in studs. Yes, please!
Pierre Balmain(61 of72)
While I can't imagine I'll be rocking a shiny getup like this any time soon, I can still admire. The appointment was held in an old apartment in Paris that while incredibly grand, was falling apart in places.
Premiere Classe(62 of72)
Many of our favorite accessory designers showcase their wares at Premiere Classe, a tradeshow in Paris. This glittery beauty is by Jerome Rousseau, whom I had the pleasure of speaking with.
Premiere Classe(63 of72)
Jewelry by Fiona Paxton. I'll take it all.
Premiere Classe(64 of72)
The display in the Repetto booth had me thinking of cupcakes. All those pretty shoes laid out reminded me of a dessert table.
Premiere Classe(65 of72)
One of our favorite designers, Roland Mouret, was recently named Creative Director of Robert Clergerie. Well done, we say. We love the direction he is taking the house.
Premiere Classe(66 of72)
Maria Francesca Pepe's choker necklaces were so bright and cheerful.
Premiere Classe(67 of72)
Maria Francesca Pepe's collar necklace had me...you know how I love a dickey.
Premiere Classe(68 of72)
Michel Perry, who vanished from the US market years ago, is building up his name again. The focus is on their new London store now, but hopefully we will see him stateside in the near future.
Premiere Classe(69 of72)
This furry bag from Be&D was just begging for a pat.
Premiere Classe(70 of72)
Tila March showed cute wedge boots in an array of colors.
Maiyet(71 of72)
A relatively new brand, Maiyet showed in a beautiful space in Paris. The brand is focused on sustainable designs, and works closely with artisans around the world.
Maiyet(72 of72)
The collection was full of black and navy easy basic pieces in luxurious materials. This model fell as she was rounding the corner. Poor dear.
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