Thursday’s proceedings at the Paris Fashion featured labels such as Coperni, Anne Isabella, Gauchere, Paul Smith, Chloe, Minuit, Uma Wang, Ludovic De Saint Sernin, Lecavalier, Rick Owens, Heliot Emil and Isabel Marant. However, there were two noticeable issues that were highlighted during the day: the environment and Ukraine.
Chloe showcased a stunning Fall/Winter 2022 range in striking colours. Apparel in vibrant orange and red offset against black represented forest fires, to highlight the issue at the brand’s show. According to Chloe, its sunrise dégradé flared ankle length crew neck dress, scarf and shoes are made from recycled materials and therefore have a lower impact on the environment.
However, in contrast, there were entirely monochromatic looks on the runway, too. For instance, Chloe’s raw hem wrap coat; tank top in lower impact superfine merino knit with signature scallop details; corseted straight midi skirt; were extremely elegant. These were punctuated by a bicolour Nacha top handle bag with belt detail in yellow and brown, and Nellie boots.
Rick Owens, the Paris-based American designer, meanwhile kept the edgy look he’s known for. Ranging from jackets with frayed corners to distressed-look gloves to clothes crafted from pieces of stray fabric – eccentricity was the name of the game.
On a more sombre note, Owen commented on Ukraine in his show notes: “[I’ve] always found great comfort that in the history of the world good has somehow always managed to triumph over evil. During times of heartbreak, beauty can be one of the ways to maintain faith.”
Then, there was Isabel Marant. The brand’s show was celebratory and glamorous to say the least. The collection and the ambience was an evident nod to the 80’s with glittering tops and thigh-length boots being the order of the day.
On a different note, The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, organisers of Paris Fashion Week, yesterday said: “[It] is committed to providing assistance to the Ukrainian people amidst this humanitarian crisis. Its members will subsequently make donations via the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency…”
