Lady LUX

When it comes to Fashion Week around the globe, every city has its own sense of style. In New York, it’s a little grittier; in London, it’s proper; in Milan, it’s fabulous; and in Paris, it’s chic. This fall and winter, the designs coming from Paris designers have an heir of sophistication surrounding them. For these designers, it’s as much about their concepts as it is their individual pieces: Balenciaga mirrors statues, Lanvin evokes happiness and Nina Ricci keeps its classic sense of drama.

Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated shows of Paris Fashion Week was Alexander Wang’s debut at the French fashion house of Balenciaga. While some critics were skeptical of Wang for Balenciaga at first, the New York-based designer proved himself more than worthy of the Paris runway with this show. He brought a sense of Paris chic meets street style by bringing a modern look to Balenciaga’s regal, rounded, 1950’s-era couture, without making the collection look retro. Using monolithic, marble statuesque ideas for inspiration, Wang started the collection with marble prints that started as the lining in tops. The marble motif then found its way sparingly throughout the collection, calling to mind marble statues. Wang’s skirts had lines that were longer and narrower and his trousers were also lean.

Lanvin’s collection this year was all about love and happiness, from designs to accessories; even the models walked the catwalk with an extra pep in their step, as show-goers enjoyed popcorn, champagne and soft drinks served by ushers. Artistic Director Alber Elbaz created a collection that women of all ages could wear and be considered cute without appearing as if they were dressing too young with fun, flirty cocktail dresses and floral print. However, to create a spin on the idea of being too cutesy, Elbaz used a new version of the men’s oxford shoe creating a look for women that was tough yet feminine and girly. Lanvin’s collection was also accessorized with multiple layered medallions, some of which had words including: Love, Happiness and Cool.

While Balenciaga was structured and Lanvin was playful, Nina Ricci was dramatic with a color palate of red, black, silver and cream. With this collection, designer Peter Copping added more daywear than the brand has seen in collections past—including the brand’s first experience with parkas—layering knits one on top of the other. Lanvin’s evening wear was beautiful, as expected. Slip dresses with lace patchwork, asymmetrical cocktail pieces and a few designs that showed dutchesse satin tucked and draped to look similar to a 3-D fabric rose.

While Paris is just getting started, New York, London and Milan are already complete. Read more about fall/ winter 2013 Fashion Week.

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Fashion / Runway