>> Fashion Month may be over, but that doesn't mean the constant stream of runway inspiration has to end. From the lucite-heeled Mary Jane booties at Chanel to the pastel fur briefcases at Dior, the accessories on offer last week in Paris were some of the best of the season — and are sure to be topping many a wish list come next Fall. Click through to see some of our favorites — right here, right now.
>> It's all in the details. This past week in Paris, the details were just as chic as could be. Showstopping bags, drool-worthy shoes, drop-dead jewels — the parade of gorgeous accessories was nearly endless. Click through to see them all, right here.
With a star-studded front row in attendance — Marc Jacobs, Katy Perry, and Kate Mara to name a few — Miuccia Prada sent a myriad of menswear-inspired suits down Miu Miu's Fall 2012 runway. The tailored looks got a whimsical kick via colorful hexagonal patterns, wide stripes, retro tapestry, flashy plaid prints, and ultrabejeweled embellishments. Add to the mix an all-star lineup of models, including Miranda Kerr, Coco Rocha, Doutzen Kroes, Jacquetta Wheeler, and Karlie Kloss, and you've got a cool collection worth poring over. Our full runway report is coming shortly, but click through to check out Miu Miu Fall '12 now.
For Paul & Joe's Fall 2012 collection, Sophie Albou showed a luxe menswear-inspired line filled with louche trousers, baggy overcoats, pajama suiting, and plenty of feminine touches to temper the mood. Wearability was key; cropped bomber coats were paired with skinny pants, oversized leopard-print trousers were styled with slouchy sweaters, and printed sheath dresses were tempered with long and lean tailored blazers. Meanwhile, a lineup of luxurious fur coats, sheer lace tops, and velvet separates added an opulent touch to every look. Basically, we'd like to get our hands on every piece. More details from the collection below.
Marc Jacobs pulled out all the stops for Louis Vuitton's Fall 2012 collection. The show kicked off with an actual custom-made train steamrolling its way onto the runway. When it came to a full stop, models stepped off (with cute little porters carrying their decadent LV luggage) wearing an array of ladylike silhouettes showcasing Marc Jacobs's signature whimsical touch. Similar to his namesake collection, Jacobs featured oversize silhouettes, but this time, with a more polished touch. Full structured skirts were styled over skinny trousers and fur-collared wool car coats were layered over printed dresses — all of which were styled with Jacobs's now signature oversize floppy hats. Opulent embellishments also came into play; dazzling jewels and ornate embroidery were adorned on an array of coats and suit sets. For evening wear, Jacobs closed out the show with a number of metallic-silver looks, highlighting slightly flared calf-length dresses paired with matching coats. More details from Louis Vuitton's magical collection below.
All gorgeous iterations of volume and texture, Sarah Burton gives us a new slant on Alexander McQueen's futuristic sense with femininity and optimism for Fall 2012. She tapped right into girlish fantasy from the very beginning and saw it all the way through in pinks, fuchsia, floral-embellishment, and the most extreme proportions of fluff and fur. There may be less of the provocative, darker sense that McQueen's later collections were made of, but that's not to say that Burton doesn't impress with her own artistry. The shapely play and construction are a testament to Burton's expertise. Floral-embellishments feel like full rosebushes on voluminous tiers, feathers and fringe move like beautiful sea creatures, and sculptural laser-cut looks have the delicacy of porcelain. In every piece, Burton tells her story — romantic, yes, but not tinged in nostalgia; with mirrored visors on, McQueen's girl is still looking toward the future.
For Fall 2012, Kanye West's sophomore collection showcased a darker, edgier mood, right down to the smudged kohl eyeliner and tough-girl knee-high boots. Further confirming what we think is one of Paris Fashion Week's most prevalent trends, the rapper-cum-designer sent out model after model in head-to-toe leather. From slick fit-and-flare skirts to ultracool biker jackets, the Fall '12 lineup was made for the girl who strikes a perfect balance between polished, super sexy, and, yeah, a little rough around the edges, too. Our full runway report is coming shortly, but click through to see Kanye's complete collection now.
>> On a runway hazy with dry-ice smoke, Kanye West presented the highly anticipated second collection for his eponymous line. Jourdan Dunn, Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls, and Abbey Lee Kershaw all walked the show, while guests included Anna Wintour, Sean Combs, Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, Guiseppe Zanotti, Azzedine Alaia, Andre Leon Talley, and Common.
The collection itself was darker and more focused than last season, with body-skimming silhouettes, black leather, sheer panels, and plenty of fur. Most of last season's fit issues seem to have been resolved.
As for the general response? Overall, it's much better this time around, though the reviews are almost as diverse as the front-row crowd. Some highlights below:
"Harder, better, faster, stronger." [High Snobeity]
"Harder, faster, stronger, maybe just a little bit better." [On The Runway]
"Like so much of West's music, this collection sampled material originally created by others: most notably Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci." [Telegraph UK]
"So Givenchy-esque that it's embarrassing that Givenchy designer Ricardo Tisci was an expected guest." [Wall Street Journal]
"A better sophomore effort. Clothes mostly fit! But must every garment be made from a pelt?" [Robin Givahn]
"A more thoughtful collection from a more humbled designer." [Styleite]
"There were only 20 looks, so no one can accuse him of not editing well." [Fashionista]
"Perfectly acceptable clothes." [Elle UK]
>> For Fall 2012, all the gorgeous, classic McQueen-isms were in place — hoof-like shoes, nipped-waists coats, drama to the umpth degree — but this season, Sarah Burton injected much more of her own viewpoint into the mix. It came in the form of lightness, volume, and shining optimism. Silhouettes were lush, round, and frothy, with mirror-like details and masses of floral appliqué. Dresses were done in blush-hued tiers of ruffles, coats were capped by whisper-light tufts of ivory fur, and skirts were covered in intricate doily laces. "It’s futurism with softness, not cold futurism," Burton explained.
With a collection as magical as this, Burton's future is so bright she might want to wear shades. Maybe that explains the giant, super-dark visors covering each model's face.
>> Sophie Albou kept it classic for Paul & Joe Fall 2012. Shapes were tailored and menswear-tinged, and offered plenty of unfussy appeal. There were slouchy trousers, boxy coats, patterned knits, and — for kicks — a pair of cigarette pants in leopard-printed velvet.
