Notes on Paris

I was a bit rushed off my feet last week, which left me with no time to prepare a substantial post. I generally try to avoid Fashion Week posts as I think there is only so much one can say when we're months away from said season. Besides, you know me, I like the oldies better! Although no longer a hive of activity, I'm feeling rather lackadaisical right now on the whole so here's a few random musings from Paris Fashion Week, which is managing at least to keep me enthused.

Usually I'm not much of a Stella fan. I never dislike the shows, usually quite like a number of the pieces and enjoy the immense wearability of her collections. The problem is the overall feel that generally misses the mark with me. Too slick, too noughties, too minimal, too clean cut. I find her collections have that late 90's sensibility of luxury - brand - basic purism that is great if you're an affluent career woman but not so if you're just watching the slideshow on you're computer screen. The good news is I really enjoyed this one. Probably because of the dominance of oversized blazers and YSL style androgyny but also because of the obvious trendiness of cute dresses, high waisted trousers and loose playful garments.

I might be over - exaggerating but it appears to me that 50's style is always a firm favourite for the spring/summer season. Giambattista Valli has adopted the look for his latest collection and 50's Balenciaga was certainly a constant on the inspiration board. Indeed, its seriously 50s, no paint splashed 50's volume like Dolce and Gabbana last spring. Its lace, its cream, its prim and proper, Sunday services kind of stuff, stiff petticoated skirts and neat capes. Regardless, I like the pretty fusty - ness. I am dreamily in love with Nicolas Ghesquière's sping collection for Balenciaga, especially these otherworldy space age lovelies. Never thought it was possible to make such uber - modern - techno clothes look so romanic. Star - crossed lovers, indeed.
There is a lot of spangle going on in other areas of the collection. I love when you can look at a collection and already envision it being used to the greatest level in editorials and this is certainly the case with the latest Balenciaga. It's glittery, its sparkly and its incredibly feminine in parts, in that famously post - modern way, of course.