From The Straits Times    |

The fourth day of fashion week in the French capital opened with a number of impressive runway shows, giving Parisian fashionistas more insights into the trends for the Autumn Winter 2014 season. We take a look at some of the most remarkable collections seen on day four, from Chalayan, Issey Miyake and more.


Roland Mouret ©AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Roland Mouret
The designer’s collection stood out for its geometric patterns, which were seen both in the tailoring and in the prints. Modern and feminine, this line included pencil skirts and dresses as well as tailored jackets. In contrast with a number of shows seen so far this season, the pants were worn close to the body rather than loose-fitting. The colours seen on the runway were often bright and bold, but there were also plenty of neutral colours, black, and Klein blue. One detail that caught our attention: black leather collars that seemed to be entirely independent from the rest of the outfit.


Chalayan ©AFP PHOTO / PATRICK KOVARIK

Chalayan
With his highly conceptual vision of fashion, the designer once again won the approval of the style world. One piece in particular created a sensation: a long, ethereal dress adorned with rows of colourful acrylic fingernails. Like several of the collection’s dresses, this one had a split skirt and a plunging neckline. The label also unveiled a number of loose-fitting pieces that played upon volume, cutout effects and layering.


Issey Miyake ©AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND GUAY

Issey Miyake
In one of the more theatrical shows seen so far this week, the models at Issey Miyake arrived on the catwalk only half dressed before unfurling their dresses, jackets and tunics, which had been folded like origami. Sculptural, even architectural, this collection presented a number of oversize pieces, including long-sleeved tops and coats for the most part, alongside a few loose-fitting pants. The designer also played upon layering effects and presented pieces with a patchwork of different stripe prints.


Julien David ©AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA

Julien David
The designs in this Autumn Winter 2014 collection captured a relaxed yet chic style that was just a tad retro, once again emphasising loose-fitting pieces (including several long dresses and coats). Certain outfits were made of metallic fabric with blue shimmer, while others were adorned with multicoloured fur. The detail that made the show: thick, furry soles on certain shoes.


Christian Dior ©AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Christian Dior
Raf Simons presented a very colourful, almost summery show, with dresses in electric hues (blue, yellow, pink) and colour pairings that were surprising given the season, but nonetheless effective (pink/green and blue/orange). While the dresses lengthened the silhouette and emphasised the legs, the suits created a more androgynous effect, in neutral tones (red, black and green). Trench coats, in varying lengths, were a recurring theme, along with waffle prints.


Isabel Marant ©AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND GUAY

Isabel Marant
The French designer presented a number of streetwear-inspired looks (jumpsuits, baggy pants, camouflage prints, oversize hooded coats), but that wasn’t all. There were also plaid jackets and shirts, as well as more refined dresses and asymmetrical miniskirts. Shimmer and shine were seen all around, whether in slightly metallic fabrics or in shiny embroidered details. – AFP RELAXNEWS