From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Showbit

As Paris Fashion Week draws to a close, it’s finally time to reflect upon everything the fashion mecca has taught us, and most importantly, start laying out battleplans for getting those new A/W looks before anyone else.

At Christian Dior, we saw rebellion and badass schoolgirl chic, Saint Laurent brought us leather, sparkle and plunging necklines, and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing propelled us into a holographic future, full of iridescent plastics and neon. Oh, and also a new snapchat filter, which Rousteing hailed as ‘the world’s first digital accessory’ (it just made your face sparkle).

Filter or no filter, we’re on board for the new, and ready to devour everything the French capital has to offer. Game faces on ladies – let’s see what we’ve got.

 

1. Holographics and iridescent plastics

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Just when you thought the unicorn trend was dying a slow death, Balmain comes rolling in on a steam train powered by spectrum-reflecting rainbow dust. Not literally of course, although we wouldn’t put it past them. Plastic blazers with 80’s style shouldering, sparkled down the catwalk with iridescence, whilst holographic sequins also shimmered by on dresses and tops, next to silver foil suits – also holographic, of course. Even shiny black pieces had a touch of rainbow shimmer in the light.

The futuristic theme didn’t stop at Balmain, with Maison Margiela also showcasing a holographic suit-like jacket with matching skirt (and lip), oversized puffer coats and chunky trainers, all in a KiraKira pleasing sheen. And lastly, Lanvin displayed a slightly more subtle take with their multi-coloured plastic coat in pink, purple and dark hues.

How to work the trend

Maybe being wrapped in plastic really is fantastic, although it’s not a trend to rock out in the hot weather. If you don’t quite fancy getting your hands on a statement holographic jacket, try a lighter iridescent sequin kimono, which you’ll be able to slip on over jeans and a long sleeved top. Or for nighttime, try a holographic cami, which you can dress down with a blazer.

 

2. Plunging V necklines

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Dare to bare? Saint Laurent put on a brave display of deep v-necklines along with bare legs in their range of blazer-style dresses (maybe not quite one to wear to the office), complete with shoulder pads and bright print, which, of course, was embellished with sequins all over.

Putting on a slightly more modest display, Chloe went for a more dressed-down deep-V day look with relaxed silky shirts, tucked loosely into trousers. The whole thing cut an elegant picture despite the baring of flesh, probably thanks to the muted, earthy tones, showing us that it’s all about balance. Poiret also took their own approach on the plunging V, keeping things classy with wrap around dresses and coats.

How to work the trend

Don’t be scared of the V! Do it right and it can be one of the chicest looks out there. Do a toned-down Saint Laurent by wearing a blazer with one button done up and an embellished bralet underneath for a little sparkle.

 

3. Orange leather

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It’s not for the faint-hearted, but that didn’t stop the designers busting out leathers in the fiercest orange hue on the Parisian catwalks.

Isabel Marant’s Western-style collection used bold brown-oranges across shirts, skirts and boots, using the colour repeatedly to anchor the pieces together. Head-to-toe orange outfits were paired with neutral cream boots, whilst conversely, orange leather knee-high boots were paired with cream and white outfits for a pop of colour.

Over at Lanvin, midi-length pencil skirts in orange were again neutralised with a cream polo, and leather jackets in the no-holding-back shade were colour-blocked with purple to emphasise it even more.

Hermes also got in on the action, using orange as the base colour for their collection, featuring belted coat-dresses with matching leather gloves and more delicious orange knee-high boots.

How to work the trend

You only need one key piece to work this trend into a tonne of different looks. Take inspiration from Lanvin and pair an orange leather skirt with neutral polo, or use accessories in this shade to make a cream and white ensemble pop. However you wear it, don’t forget those shades.

 

4. Ruffles

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Big, small, tight, loose, however you like your ruffles, go forth and dig them out because they were all over the Paris catwalks for A/W ‘18.

Giambattista Valli put on an elegant display of full-length floaty ruffled dresses, featuring floral print and a high neck to take it into Autumn. Off White kept things more relaxed with loose-fitting ruffled overlay dresses, great for layering over long boots, and Talbot Runhof displayed more statement ruffling set against silver sequins.

Balmain also got a hand in with ruffled ruched sleeves in a more bold take on the trend, contrasting black with nude, and Christian Dior kept things light with khaki coloured mesh dresses with ruffled edges.

How to work the trend

Get ahead of the curve and invest in a floaty long-sleeved ruffled maxi dress, which you’ll be able to style with a leather jacket and boots to toughen up the delicate textures. Nice and versatile, you’ll be able to take this look from day to night, so really there’s no guilt necessary when you hand over that credit card.

 

5. Oversized check coats

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We’ve seen checks at every other fashion week around the world, so it’s no surprise they’ve popped up in Paris too.

Stella Mccartney led the way with big checks and relaxed shouldering in smart greys and beiges, worn over light blue denim layers or with matching trousers, whilst Dries Van Noten used light blues for their colour palette, pairing their oversized check coats with slick maroon trousers, fluffy bag, shades and slicked-back hair for a little Audrey-Hepburn glamour.

Sacai showed off a royal blue and purple padded overcoat, and Paul Smith opted for green and blue tartan almost-floor-length macs with black leather collar.

How to work the trend

Long-line coats are always a fast-track to a sophisticated silhouette, so we are ALL on board for this trend. Pair with pointed knee high boots to power-dress for the office, or just fling over shoulders with a pair of jeans and loafers for a chic off-duty look.

 

ALSO READ: THE TREND EDIT: LONDON FASHION WEEK A/W’18 INCLUDING PVC COATS, POWER SUITS AND STATEMENT HOODIES