The Best From Paris Fashion Week SS22
by Jessica Gaertner - October 5, 2021 Fashion News
The SS22 ready-to-wear collections have come to a close and finished strong in Paris. The fashion showcases were striking, loud and gave everyone something to look forward to this coming season. Some of the biggest fashion labels that debuted their collections in Paris were Chanel; Christian Dior; Schiaparelli; Giambattista Vali; Valentino; Givenchy and Balenciaga (who made their second runway appearance after their first in NYC).
Not only did Balenciaga feature twice during this past fashion month, but they also gave a highly exclusive and entertaining screening of a 10 minute episode of the Simpsons where Homer places an online order for a Balenciaga dress for Marge’s birthday. It was the first time for the Simpsons to make an appearance on the runway during fashion week and it was well received and brilliant.
Balenciaga
Some of the biggest editors and A-listers walked down the red carpet catwalk for the premiere of the Balenciaga X Simpsons collaboration. It was an unconventional and newsworthy runway that has been said to have ‘won Paris Fashion Week.’
Maison Margiela
Spectators and fashion lovers were disappointed to only see a film version of this striking collection, especially now that designers are finally able to come back to life with live shows on the runway. This collection has a somewhat wintery feel to it and it seems to be clear that creative director, John Gilliano, wanted to just have fun for this season’s ready-to-wear collection by creating fresh textures and playing with layers of different fabrics.
Schiaparelli
Once again, the label plays with the theme of surrealism and has created something extraordinary. In this collection, models were seen with gold toes and fingers and golden accessories with ears that were the feature of the centrepiece. The luxury label is known for breaking out of the norms and creating truly unique aspects to their clothing which distinguishes it as Schiaparelli and places it miles apart from the rest.
Lanvin
The brand created a light and flirty collection that once again proves Miranda Priestly wrong and shows that florals can in fact be groundbreaking when used in the right way.
Elie Saab
The garments are fresh and upbeat and provide pieces that one would want to wear during dreamy summers whilst either traveling or yachting across Europe. Elie Saab said “colour is sunshine,” and it’s clear to see that he has used vibrant hues to elevate this gorgeous collection.
Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli believes that there are times that some people are unaware of how to handle things that are truly beautiful, and before his show actually told the public not to be scared of beauty. Vogue described the collection as a fresh take on classic romanticism, which is the perfect description. The garments feel inspired by delicate porcelain dolls and floral boudoirs.
Givenchy
A lot of controversy was stirred and brought to light with this collection as many of the necklaces were designed to look like nooses. Many took offence to the reference and have deemed it insensitive and crass.
Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood
A collection many of the general public won’t be able to relate to, but one fashion lovers will enjoy and recognise clearly as Andreas Kronthaler X Vivienne Westwood creations. There were many different forms of inspiration that were mixed and matched into these garments and it looks as though it was made to be fun and adventurous.
Valentino
I am obsessed with this show. Valentino has kept it’s couture edge with the cut-outs, tailoring and fabric choices while making it easier to wear and more appealing for the younger generation. The show was also described to feature “real people” because the models to walk the runway were mixed gender. However, some disagreed as they feel that it was not applied to body shape and variation in size. Thoughts?
Alexandre Vauthier
After an all black fall collection, Alexandre Vauthier spiced up his new SS22 ready-to-wear one with a vibrant aqua shade and absinthe green. He has used various textures and silhouettes throughout, but has still kept the collection chic and cohesive.
Chloé
The crochet trend plays a huge role in this collection and it seems as though Chloé has substituted all cotton for linens instead. Due to the fact that up-cycling has become an intrinsic part of the brand, it was a clever initiative that all attendees were seated on cushions fashioned from old Chloé fabrics.
Balmain
Isabel Marant
Even though the sun had gone down before the Isabel Marant show could begin, it felt like the perfect summer sunset as soon as the models set foot onto the runway. The colour variation brought the show to life and created a warm and glowing beach-time feel while the garments remained light and breezy.
Christian Dior
Tailoring to perfection, lots of leg and a variation of prints and block colours. The Dior show wowed the audience as it took place on a giant board game, and all the models shifted in synchronised movements to make sure every look was seen in its best light.
Saint Laurent
Thebe Magugu
These gorgeous designs highlighted the African culture in an elegant, chic, fashion-forward way. It was so exciting to see one of South Africa’s top designers being acknowledged for his brilliance during Paris Fashion Week.
Chanel
The true Chanel glittery tweed and classic logo made its highly anticipated and expected appearance on the runway. However, there was a lot of swimwear inspiration as well and a lot of skin to bring in that Spring/Summer feel.
