This past weekend, Paris Fashion Week took place virtually, showcasing a lineup of renowned brands including Altuzarra, Elie Saab, Dice Kayek, Zadig & Voltaire, and Givenchy. Despite the physical distance between the designers and the city of Paris, the online videos captured their strong desire for rejuvenation and celebration after a prolonged period of lockdown.
Altuzarra, recognized for his talent and impeccable designs, presented a poetic collection that reflected the cautious atmosphere of our current times and the yearning for femininity in fashion. The collection drew inspiration from the transformation of a chrysalis into a butterfly, incorporating butterfly wing motifs into the garments. The tie-dye chiffon dresses in blood orange, power blue, and faded turquoise perfectly embodied the essence of the collection. Altuzarra also introduced classy knits in cashmere, merino, and chenille, adding a new dimension to his fall collection.
Elie Saab, despite the challenges of living in crisis-ridden Lebanon and the proximity to last year’s devastating explosion, managed to create a glamorous collection. The video showcased the topography and architecture of Beirut, emphasizing Saab’s connection to his homeland. The collection featured cascading layers of chiffon cocktail dresses, polka-dot business dresses, and black and white paneled wool suits. The highlight was the black faille gala dinner gowns adorned with ruffles, worn by models with chignon hairstyles and diamond string earrings. Saab’s collection exuded grand modern glamour even during a global nightmare.
Dice Kayek presented a stylish murder mystery titled “Who Killed Philippe Stone.” Filmed in the lobby of Istanbul’s iconic Pera Palace, the video featured femme fatales dancing melodramatically, accompanied by the theatrical singing of an Edith Piaf figure. The cast donned elegant cocktail party attire, including black silk cocoon dresses, little black dresses with silver appliqués, and chiffon frocks with semi-transparent sleeves. The video was impeccably styled and acted, showcasing Dice Kayek’s latest fashion offerings.
Zadig & Voltaire’s latest show, titled “Love Yourself,” aimed to promote self-love in these challenging times. The video was shot on a grand soundstage in Aubervilliers, with scenic views of iconic cities as the backdrop. Zadig & Voltaire, a quintessential cool Parisian label, presented a collection that captured the essence of effortless French style. From soft cotton camouflage safari jackets paired with sculpted jogging pants to crisp gold-dust-striped pantsuits and flouncy leopard-print cocktails, the collection offered flattering and trendy fashion options. The show also featured a collaboration with Fogal, showcasing ZV logo tights. Zadig & Voltaire’s collection celebrated self-confidence and positivity.
Givenchy, a brand that has undergone numerous transformations since the retirement of its founder, presented a collection that showcased the vision of its latest designer, Matthew M. Williams. Williams, known for his edgy and contemporary aesthetic, took Givenchy into new territory. The collection featured attire suitable for all-night rave parties in Berlin, including posh S&M leather clubbing blousons, rude boy puffers, faux fur parkas, and trapper Canadian coats. The coed show featured models wearing thick wool balaclavas, marching under arc lights on a wet PVC runway. Despite the departure from Givenchy’s traditional style, Williams’ collection felt ambitious and in line with the brand’s evolution.
Overall, Paris Fashion Week witnessed the creative expressions of these five brands, each showcasing their unique vision and offering a glimpse of hope and inspiration for the post-lockdown world.
Useful Links:
1. Altuzarra Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection
2. Elie Saab Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection
