Give The Shoulder. Balmain SS13

Balmain brought back the bold shoulder and paired it with high waisted trousers and hoop earrings. What a look!

This was the (90s) power woman at her most obvious. The workmanship what goes into those textured jumpsuits and tops never fails to make me gawk. And between those bold shoulders, bare ones seemed to have even more impact.

And then came the denim. I didn't see it coming but I couldn't be gladder that it did - it was a wearible and very accessible take on the collection that fitted perfectly into designer Olivier Rousteing's 90s vision.

A perfectly balanced collection then. And that's a notion that's stronger than even the boldest of bold shoulders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images vogue.co.uk

Return Of The Peplum. Balenciaga SS13

The first look at Balenciaga was my favourite. A white bra top that had an air of strength, purity, and athleticism about it. Paired with what is now officially signature Balenciaga high waisted trousers and colour block lace ups. The look set the perfect tone for that was to come.

Peplum 2.0 skirts (just when you thought you'd seen the last of the flare) were paired with incredible crop tops that looked like they'd been folded around the models' shoulders. Hard trouser suits with those soft bra tops underneath. Bucket bags. Smart spring knits. Mini skirts. Wonderfully textured dresses. And delicate gold necklaces paired with intricate rings (for every finger) which gave this woman her timeless element.

All that and a Kristen Stewart in the front row - it was a brilliant show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images vogue.co.uk

That Skirt! Mugler SS13

This show was wonderfully wearable and minimal for Mugler standards. And how well it works! Think Victoria Beckham dresses meet Haider Ackerman belts and Prada's new origami mood. Now that's interesting.

A brilliant play with different fabrics and textures, my favourites being those armour-like patent leather-looking mini skirts. That skirt beings to mind one of my first film fashion crushes, the woman who 'used to design for gods!' Yes, I think that if she was a real person, Edna Mode would design like this. Fantastic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images vogue.co.uk

Check The Floral. Dries van Noten SS13

I kick off my Paris Fashion Week coverage with an amazing new collection from Dries van Noten. The concept - florals and checks - is nothing special, but the execution definitely is. From the same vein as Philip Lim, but this collection has a more ethereal maturity about it. Still, this woman has an edge in the styling of her clothes. Her edge makes the romance pop.

Take this as a lesson in how to enhance your clothing with style and personality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images vogue.co.uk