Adieu, McQueen

The final Alexander McQueen collection was revealed in a small, private show at the end of Paris Fashion Week. At the time of McQueen's death there were still 16 pieces only 80% completed. The fashion house's team worked overtime to complete the master's vision.





The models were stoic with a quiet beauty, almost looking like mannequins. The clothing looked to be from another era. McQueen found inspiration in the art of the Old Masters. He also wanted to return to the beauty of handcrafted clothing and eschew the futuristic and modern ideas of his contemporaries. Dresses resembled rich tapestries and gowns were fit for royalty. McQueen did not leave out his signature symbol though; crocodile booties encrusted with gold cherubs also featured skulls.





The collection was innovative, had incredible detail and was the perfect representation of McQueen's genius.





McQueen's parent company, PPR, says the line will continue.



Photos from Model Management

Faux Fur at Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld staged the Chanel show in Paris' Grand Palais with large, imported Scandinavian icebergs. Lagerfeld used the icebergs to call attention to global climate change. Water pooled around the icebergs to signify the melting icecaps.



Fur adorned each and every model. But, Lagerfeld said that not a hair of it was real and felt that in keeping with the theme of global consciousness that faux was the only way to go. Fox, polar bear, sable and wolf lined jackets, were worn as collars, adorned hot pants, covered boots and purses, and even jewelry.



Almost every collection in each fashion week for Fall/Winter 2010 featured fur. Many people do oppose real fur, yet, faux fur often feels cheap and does not look luxurious. Lagerfeld's collection for Chanel takes faux fur to high fashion and no one will know that you are not wearing the real thing.



Photos from AP/Francois Mori

Paris Fashion Week Wrap Up

Sonia Rykiel




Photos from AP/Thibault Camus

Stella McCartney




Photos from AP/Jacques Brinon

John Galliano




Photos from AP/Jacques Brinon

Jean Paul Gaultier



Photo from FWD/Gruber

Karl Lagerfeld




Photos from Reuters/Benoit Tessier

Viktor and Rolf




Photos from AP/Jacques Brinon and FWD/Gruber

Lanvin




Photos from FWD/Gruber

Nina Ricci



Photo from Reuters/Benoit Tessier

"Modest Materials" at Balenciaga

"We used modest materials like polyamide or nylon with expensive ones like cashmere or agora. I wanted that mix to show how cheap can become dignified," Nicolas Ghesquiere said of his Fall/Winter collection for Balenciaga. Perhaps a nod to our current economic situation.



Balenciaga is always one of the most anticipated shows each season, and this season was no different. The pastels look more Easter than Fall/Winter, but using cashmere, angora and wool twist the colors to feel more cool weather appropriate. Ghesquire also used cool grays and taupe for pantsuits and a dress with a square fur panel on the hips. Only one of the Paris-thin models could pull this off. Words and labels also covered clothing at Balenciaga.



Try pairing cool gray pants with a cashmere pastel sweater or wear a gray dress, but instead of a furry hips, throw on a fur shrug to bring this look from the runway to real life. You can also accessorize with a pastel framed purse to bring some of the Balenciaga color palette into your wardrobe without spending too much money.



Photos from Fashion Wire Daily/Gruber

Galliano Stays True to Dior

John Galliano said that he wanted to mix French romanticism with Christian Dior's love of English riding. Of course, Galliano is the only one that could pull this feat off and make every piece a must have.



Light, draping fabric, long and slim silhouettes made the models look like angels floating down the runway. Messy hair, thigh high riding boots, top hats and tailored jackets recalled the equestrian look that Dior was fond of. Lovely, muted tones of lavender, sage, and tan worked perfectly to achieve the romantic and libertine feel that Galliano wanted.



To get the Dior look, wear a blazer with a feminine dress or pair that same dress with thigh high boots (like the wonderful boots shown at Burberry). Models also wore smoky eyes and plum lips. This makeup can make the light, floaty dresses feel more Fall/Winter than Spring. Dark lips have been seen in New York, London, Milan and now Paris, so invest in your perfect shade. A modern top hat is difficult to pull off, but if you are daring, try a vintage Victorian hat or top hat, which is less severe. Be whimsical with a bit of an edge.



Photos from Fashion Wire Daily/Gruber

Balmain

Balmain is always a hot ticket during Paris Fashion Week and Christophe Decarnin's collection did not disappoint. A Prince medley played as models showed skintight pants, jackets with emphasized shoulders and tons of gold chains and details.

Just as we have seen in many other Fall/Winter collections, animal prints and metallics showed up in Balmian. These are must haves, so be sure to add at least one animal print and one metallic element to your wardrobe for Fall/Winter.



While many collections showed longer hemlines and more top coverage, Decarnin had mini dresses, dresses with thigh high slits and super low cut tops. The color palette consisted of black, gold, gunmetal and a bit of red and purple thrown in.



Black leather has been showing up on the runway, but Decarnin decided on bright red, skinny leather pants. Paired with a brocade black military inspired jacket with tons of buttons, this outfit is totally rocker chic. If red leather pants aren't your thing, there was also a brocade black long sleeve dress with tons of gold eyelets and gold laces up and down the sleeves and down the bodice.

Keep those jackets with stiff, emphasized shoulder from this Fall/Winter since they do not seem to get going away. Balmain had big shoulders on everything from jackets to long sleeve dresses. Also, the wide belt worn with dresses is still hot. Pair it with a gold metallic mini dress and you'll have something very Balmain-eque.



Decarnin showed a wearable collection if you hang out at rock clubs, but it is simple to take some inspiration from the collection and put it into your everyday (or weekend) life.

Photos from AP/Jacques Brinon

Alexander McQueen, a No Show

Alexander McQueen's shows are the most anticipated each season. Even after his death, his collection was still scheduled to be shown during Paris Fashion Week, as normal. However, the show is being scaled down dramatically and will be extremely exclusive.

Fans are still eagerly awaiting the collection. For London Fashion Week there was a wall dedicated to McQueen where his many admirers posted sentiments and photos. It showed how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. After his death, it was reported that sales from McQueen's line was up 1400%. If you want to get a piece, there is no time like the present.

Shortly after McQueen's death, it was confirmed that he committed suicide the day of his mother's funeral. Ironically, he was found hanged in his wardrobe.

A South Korean in Paris: Lie Sang Bong

Lie Sang Bong is someone to continue watching. He hails from South Korea and has been called a rising star and for several seasons now, as well as the Korean McQueen. This Fall/Winter collection solidifies him as a serious designer.

Lie's collection, mostly black, was futuristic, but wearable. A tight, structured leather jacket with large fur collar is an instant must have. Several leather dresses with flowing capes were surprisingly not over the top.



A woven Samurai inspired jacket with fur detailing is immediately eye catching. Fur skirts, bags, shoes and colored fur vests provided contrast to the sharp lines of tuxedo jackets, corsets, coats and dresses.



Lie did show a bit of color with fuchsia and blue in dresses that looked like soft waves. The futuristic vibe was still there; the soft dresses were shown with matching motorcycle helmets. This woman can go to a cocktail party and hop on her bike still looking chic.



To incorporate these looks into your life, try black tights and booties to toughen up a soft dress, or, splurge on a leather jacket with fur collar that you can pair with almost everything.

Photos from AP/Jacques Brinon

Rochas Gets Groovy

You may remember Marco Zanini as the guy who got fired from Halston after one collection. Or, you may remember Marco Zanini as the guy that did a Rochas installation piece and brought interest back to the house after Oliver Theyskens left for Nina Ricci.



Zanini's ready-to-wear for Rochas is pretty groovy, if you ask me. From the hair and makeup to the clothing, you should get ready for a time warp. A fun time warp, that is. Grab your elongated, pointed shirt collars, and let's go!



As seen through these weeks of fashion, metallics (gold in this case) and animal prints are in. Zanini added bow details to many of the pieces. Not cutesy. Think a bow for a wrapped gift, but pinned onto waists and collars. This small accessory can take your dress from last season and update it quickly. Try the bow with coat collars and pant waistlines as well.



Rochas was not all black, gray, military green and navy, like so many of the other collections. Throw in some teal, bright red and peach. These brighter colors were solids, whereas the browns and gold metallics had texture and pattern to them.



How easy is it to get a solid teal shift dress and pin a bow onto the waistline? You can do this! Just don't forget to tease your hair before going out. And grab a framed purse with handles. Oh, and wear some flat boots. Maybe grab that leopard print reversible scarf from Dries van Noten, too!

Photos from Getty Images

Paris Begins! Dries van Noten

After New York, London and Milan, we have finally arrived at Paris Fashion Week. Dries van Noten was shown in the mayor's ballroom at Paris City Hall. Before guests entered the opulent space, they had to go through security that rivals TSA.



The collection featured interesting textures, animal print, full skirts and plenty of black, gray and military green. Dries van Noten is wearable right off the runway.



A silver, metallic dress is reminiscent of chain mail. A double sided, furry scarf with tiger print on one side and leopard print on the other makes a fabulous accessory that can be worn over and over again. Sleeveless trenches in camel and tweed can be worn from the first signs of fall through winter with heavier clothing underneath. Love Mad Men? Dries van Noten's full skirted dresses will make you a modern Peggy Olsen or Betty Draper by adding large pockets to update the look.



Dries van Noten showed perfectly tailored jackets, fun dresses, layering, animal print and military green with a bit of navy thrown in. Look for these elements to add to your wardrobe come fall.



Photos from French Vogue