John Galliano revisited Dior’s 1947 New Look for Christian Dior’s spring couture show. For fall ready-to-wear, many other designers joined him in creating a new New Look. Alexander McQueen’s theatrical creations stood out the most. But my favorite was Louis Vuitton’s more wearable suit. Instead of the post-War sloping shoulders, designer Marc Jacobs kept to the 80s trend with shoulder pads. And the hot pink lined peplum added a playful touch.
(clockwise from top left) Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix
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There were polka dots for everyone at Paris Fashion Week: Emanuel Ungaro provided retro black and white and psychedelic multi-colored dots; Balenciaga draped spotted silk; Loewe cut out dots on his sweaters; Christian Dior had playful large circles; and Maison Martin Margiela went avante garde.
(clockwise from top left) Emanuel Ungaro, Maison Martin Marigela, Balenciaga, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Loewe
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I’d rather be a butterfly than a caterpillar in a cocoon. But, if you like the dramatic volume of a cocoon coat you’re in luck because it was très popular during Paris Fashion Week. If you follow the trend, keep it slim on bottom as Stella McCartney did with her vegan leather leggings.
(clockwise from top left) Alexander McQueen, Christian Lacroix, Stella McCartney, Gareth Pugh, Christian Dior, Maison Martin Margiela
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My turquoise cheongsam was one of my favorite dresses as a little girl so I’m really excited Oriental inspired clothing is making a comeback. We saw it at Armani during the spring couture shows, and for fall designers translated the trend with mandarin collars, Chinese frog fastenings, gold brocade and silk tassel belts.
(clockwise from top left) John Galliano, Akris, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Andrew Gn, Giambattista Valli
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In case you can’t tell from the pictures above, a balloon sleeve is full on top and gets narrower on bottom. All the volume distracts from the lower body, so the sleeve is great if you’re trying to conceal a tummy. If you’re like me, and have narrow shoulders, a balloon sleeve evens out your shape.
The ones in Paris were a little extreme but Christopher Fischer’s balloon sleeve dress is a basic you can wear now and later. Dress it up with a bright skinny belt, bib necklace and heels or keep it casual with flats. The A-line makes it universally flattering.
(clockwise from top left) Nina Ricci, Christian Dior, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, AF Vandervorst, John Galliano
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We saw some collarless coats in New York, but in Paris they were all over the catwalk. I especially liked the swing coats, with their retro 60s feel. It’s a fitting trend now that we have a new Jackie O in the White House.
(clockwise from top left) Chloé, Akris, Christian Dior, Hussein Chalayan, Andrew Gn, Loewe
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