paris fashion week fall 2007

Paris Fashion Week is the ultimate fashion event of the season. It is when the who's who in fashion and beauty jet set to The City of Light to canoodle in couture. Last weekend, the highly anticipated Louis Vuitton show took place. A special shout out to Marc Jacobs who is celebrating his tenth anniversary there this year!

The show featured tons of soon-to-covet accessories from berets to patent and shearling bags, brushed-gold buckled belts and shiny boots.

The clothes were dark with red, bronze and blue pieces mixed in. There was a lot of leather items featured as well as over-sized sweaters with fitted pants, tailored clothing (pencil skirts, slim pants and jackets) and of course LBD's.

As for beauty, the look was fairly simple. Hair was parted down the middle and secured in a low, teased ponytail so that hair accessories such as floppy hats and berets could be easily modeled. Makeup was neutral and smooth with an accent on heavily lined-wing eyes.

For more pictures and a step by step guide on all of the Max Factor colors used in the show and tips on how to apply them, read more

Belgian-born designer Olivier Theyskens is now at the helm of Nina Ricci. You can see his street fashion cred and moody perspective in this Fall 2007 collection.

I thought it was an emotional back and forth between drifting heavenly visions and sadly beautiful waifs. If the white-grey-yellow color story or asymmetrical ruffling looks familiar it's because this was the designer Reese Witherspoon chose to wear throughout awards show season. And we all know it worked for her. It is this juxtaposition of light and dark, happy and sad, that worked for Reese. While she constantly looked dynamite, amidst a divorce, there has to be some sadness dwelling behind that killer smile and bright blue eyes. Just a thought, but I see Reese's strength, but undeniable sadness, on this catwalk. Fluid tailoring, tear-drop shaped blousons, and deconstructed, ie. wrinkled, gowns were fresh, although questionably wearable. Speaking of questionably wearable, dig the feathers in the hair - a magical touch.

To see the rest of my Paris Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see more Nina Ricci, read more

Giambattista Valli is one Italian designer who delivered a sharp, romantic Fall 2007 collection. Sharp romance? Check it out...

While black tends to get monotonous on the runways for me, Valli's black was different. Using rich fabrics and smart contouring, this black made me wish I was an agent of chic espionage. The rest of the collection was just as wonderful with a solid color palette of grey, red, yellow and cream, and abstract prints thrown in for good measure. Super smart ruffling and bows personified the sharp romance I'm speaking of; these aren't your pretty proper ruffles and bows, these are modern, strong feminine touches. Experimental proportions occurred, but it felt right here with the bold colors and luxurious materials. The hot platforms and colored jewel adornments added glorious theatrics. Bravo!

To see the rest of my Paris Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see more Valli, read more

Here is Karl Lagerfeld's winter wonderland. And what a joy it is! The Chanel Fall 2007 collection was not as jaw dropping as the sharp, masterfully black and white Spring collection but it was yummy nonetheless.

Joining Marc Jacobs on the ice skating rink (now there's a funny visual), this collection was youthful and fun. I don't recall such a colorful collection from Chanel in so long! A plethora of Nordic prints, patent detailing and colorful tweeds lightened the mood. Dresses styled over pants were a cool twist; crimped hair added zest. The finale dresses are guaranteed winners with sharp draping, sequin accents and roped straps. A jeweled bib on a modern black dress made me swoon. And look at how cute this Lagerfeld penguin is on this sweater? Too cute for school!

To see the rest of my Paris Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see more Chanel, read more

Er Stella, not so sure about this one. Stella McCartney's Fall collection was disconnected. I don't know how it went from a perfect fuchsia sexy little ruffled dress to a colossal fluffy faux fur coat. Maybe she was playing with contrasts but the models looked a lot happier in the sexy, tailored looks. Although, there were a few standouts (phew!).

Stella always manages to deliver sexy v-neck boyfriend sweaters but I wasn't so keen on what was going on with the bottom half of these looks. Were those skirts or just flippy bits of fabric? One last dis: the tuxedo styles were fun and sharp but I feel like I've seen them before...But in the end, it was refreshing to see bare legs and the few expertly crafted chili pepper pieces were fabulous. This over sized poncho was the one piece that communicated the overtly boxy silhouette but still managed to deliver strong appeal. Better luck next season Stella.

To see the rest of my Paris Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see more Stella, read more

What do tweeds, tie dye and track pants have in common? Nicolas Ghesquière's Fall 2007 Balenciaga collection. At first glance I thought this was a doomed hodge podge of ideas but after viewing the whole presentation I was elated by the intriguing mixmastering.

What a departure from his cyborg-beauties-on-steroids Spring collection! He has softened his perspective and this Fall's offerings are sure to have much broader appeal. While some may be taken aback by the white eyebrows and haphazard pairings, I thought it was inspirational. The rules no longer apply: you can and should mix and match! My favorite pieces were the prep school blazers, especially the ones with fur collars, and the crazy unique silk dresses. But once again with the jodhpurs! Sighted at Roberto Cavalli, I'm sorry but this is a Fall trend I will not be partaking in.

To see the rest of my Paris Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see more Balenciaga, read more

John Galliano presented an exquisite Christian Dior collection yesterday. I saw a tribute to Christian Dior's original 'New Look' from the 40s mixed with old Hollywood glamour and a sprinkling of Japanese sensibility, a wonderful combination if you ask me.

Bold, subtly theatrical looks trotted down the catwalk in a crayola box of colors. Skirts were both full and slim and tiny waists were accentuated. Glamour elements were: big dazzling jewels, gloves, fur trim and Veronica Lake curls. Clean, animated origami folding took the collection to a further far away land than Tinsel Town. This collection was surprisingly wearable and gorgeous - sure to be a hit with the fashion elite.

To see more Dior, read more