Paris Update

The wonderful time of Spring 2011 Fashion Week ended on a high with the collections from LV, Hermes, Miu Miu. I was very excited to see that Marc Jabos is taking the Chinese traditional root and using the Madrine dress (Chipao) as his inspiration. Chipao has a long tradition in the Chinese culture and it has been making its come back in the modern society. In the early 1900s, Chipao was a High Society dress especially popular in Shanghai. The high neck, closed collar, slits up on the side and body hugging style is a combination of elegance and Chinese tradition. (“In the Mood for Love” is a great HongKong movie showing the Chipao in all its beauty)

Jean Paul Gaultier presented his final collection for Hermes and went back to his roots as well, horses and riders. His riding-inspired collection was about suede and leather in beautiful silhouettes. Amazing collection, I wish I could own one of his looks!!! Miu Miu dressed the modern girl in bright yellow, hot pink and royal blue flowy dresses.

Hermes Spring/Summer 2011

Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2011

Fashion Week Spring 2011

“The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”

- Coco Chanel

With the end of two great events in the fashion world, New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and with Milan Fashion Week still going strong, we now know what designers want us to wear in the next season to be “fashionable.” But let’s be realistic--not everything that comes down the runway can actually be worn or suits every body type. Everything should be taken with a grain of salt.

While New York Fashion Week was a dream in white, London’s idea was neon pink, acid yellow and cool aquas. So far in Milan, Prada seems to be all about Monkeys.

Like Tina Gaudoin said in her column for the WSJ:
"so transient are trends that the phrase 'in fashion' is almost entirely redundant. By definition, the moment you are wearing something 'fashionable,' you become a follower and not a leader."

Fashion is about having fun. If you love and feel comfortable in something, wear it with confidence. So what if it is from Forever 21 not Dolce? Like Gaudoin said, “With confidence comes style. For whilst these days there might be little use for the description 'fashionable,' there is certainly much to be said for being stylish (with all that the term implies, including good taste and longevity)."

On that note, au revoir and see you in Paris for the new trends from Chanel, Miu Miu, Westwood & co., and Bisous Bisous.

Jason Wu - New York FashionWeek ( I absolutely adore his collection!!!)

Oscar de La Renta - New York Fashion Week

Paul Smith -London Fashion Week

Burburry mixes neon with the classic trench - London Fashion Week

Prada’s Monkey Business - Milan Fashion Week