Key moments from Paris Fashion Week

AMI PARIS

AMI Paris delivered a collection that was both optimistic and luxurious for Fall/Winter ’21, one that was inspired by the shows of the early ’90s. The co-ed collection was as dynamic as it was straightforward, offering timeless pieces that echoed a new modern take on minimalism. Think oversized silhouettes, well-defined finishing, plenty of volume and sartorial construction – complete in an inspiring block of primary colours before ending in shades of white. 

“Every season, our shows tell a special story; this presentation is no exception. Its narrative pays a tribute to cinematography, a universe that has always inspired me and that I wanted to further explore,” explains Alexandre Mattiussi. “The Fall-Winter 21 collection is a very special one, a collection that deserved to be filmed so I could fully showcase its colours, joy and high energy. Through this digital presentation, I wanted to echo the fashion shows that I followed through my childhood, the period that would later have a huge influence in my decision to become a designer.”

BALMAIN

Balmain looked ahead, well into the future, for Fall/Winter ’21. Going above and beyond for the season, Olivier Rousteing turned to the current pandemic for inspiration and channelled the power of travel and to uplift spirits for those longing to reunite with their loved ones. Feeding off of the distinctive beauty found in the uniforms of early pilots and astronauts, the collection featured statement pieces for the ultimate traveller. 

“I don’t know where we’re going, but I do know that we are going somewhere. The point is not the destination but the actual going; the journey, the leaving—and the escape,” said Rousteing. 

CHANEL

Virginie Viard took the ultimate girl gang to the club during Paris Fashion Week (more specifically, one of Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite nightspots, Castel) and offered a selection of pieces that we’re looking forward to wearing post-pandemic. Think trouser suits, long tweed coats, delicate black chiffon blouses, quilted jumpsuits, and faux fur jackets (all styled with statement jewellery pieces).

“I love contrasts, so for the more voluminous winter pieces, I wanted a small space”, said Virgine Viard after the show. “I don’t know if this is because of the times we live in, but I wanted something warm, lively. I imagined the models doing a show for themselves, going from room to room, crossing each other in staircases, piling their coats up in the cloakroom and going up to the next floor to get changed. And I thought of the shows that Karl would tell me about, back in the day, a long time ago, when the models would dress themselves and do their own make-up.”

GIVENCHY

Perhaps our favourite collection from Matthew Williams to date, the recently-appointed Creative Director created an autumnal collection that was as powerful as it was sharp. Unveiling the collection inside one of the biggest concert halls in France, the Paris La Défense Arena, Williams revealed a Fall/Winter ’21 wardrobe that focused on sharply tailored suits, evening gowns embellished with crystals and sequins, fuzzy outerwear, and statement accessories.

LOUIS VUITTON

Considered one of the stronger contenders on the Paris Fashion Week schedule, Louis Vuitton channelled a strikingly contemporary aesthetic for Fall/Winter ’21. Walking through the empty halls of the Louvre museum in Paris to Daft Punk’s hit “Around the World”, models fronted oversized ski jackets, colour-blocked puffers and mixed bombers with tulle skirts – a surprising element if you ask us. The collection also revealed a collaboration with the Italian artistic atelier of Fornasetti, as his whimsical drawings were translated to both handbags and runway pieces. 

“This season we’ve adapted to these challenging times and I am very excited to share this journey with you! So wherever you are in the world, I hope you’ll enjoy the show from home. Stay safe, take care and I hope to see you soon!”, Nicolas Ghesquière welcomed his guests virtually on Instagram. 

MIU MIU

This season, Miuccia Prada brought together gangs of women for the Fall/Winter ’21 show, entitled Brave Hearts. Exploring the landscape of Cortina d’Ampezzo – in the heart of Dolomites Alps – the collection was an ode to the courageous women, reflecting the bravery in the clothing. Oversized volumes, outerwear with padded layers, faux fur jackets, slip dresses made of heavy wool and jumpsuits in pastel coloured satins dominated the collection. 

SCHIAPARELLI

Sculptural silhouettes were in focus for Schiaparelli’s Fall/Winter ’21 collection as Daniel Roseberry embraced the fashion house’s historical ties to surrealism and crafted a collection that spoke volumes of escapism, innovation and joy. Featuring off-key gold jewellery intertwined with contemporary silhouettes, the collection evoked a sense of playfulness that we’ve been longing. 

Now, discover Dior’s Fall/Winter ’21 collection.