Paris Fashion Week Top 5 Runway Shows

It’s that time of the year again, fashion week is upon us. Well, more like fashion month actually. This whirlwind of fashion, art, and design inspiration has me wide-eyed over all the creativity and innovation I’ve been seeing, From New York to London, and Milan to Paris, fashion week is further proof of how magical and amazing fashion is. I’ve gotta say though that I am especially in love with Paris Fashion Week. Paris is the birthplace of esteemed and historic fashion houses like Balenciaga, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few, which is exactly why Paris Fashion Week is extra special for me. Here I give you a rundown of the top 5 shows I loved this Fall 2015 season.

Miu Miu

Miuccia Prada has consistently churned memorably playful and witty collection for Miu Miu, this Fall 2015 was no exception. 50s inspired silhouettes in a plethora of colors and textures sashayed down the runway. Cabochon statement necklaces and earrings adorned each look, and is sure to herald the comeback of these baubles this year so take note fashionistas. Knits, pleats, snakeskin, and check prints, there are just so much visual inspiration in this one.

Balmain

Creative Director for Balmain, Oliver Rousteing, does it again. The signature modern Balmain look is all about glitz, rock n’ roll, and serious tailoring and detail of course. This collection was heavily inspired by the unapologetic glamour and pomp of disco era 70s. Rousteing’s take on the 70s consisted of micropleating, velvet, graphic stripes, oversized belts, and lots and lots of bright and bold jewel tones. A lot of red carpet stunners in this collection. Also noteworthy are the velvet heels in this show.

Sacai

If you don’t know about up and coming brand Sacai, consider yourself informed. This brand helmed by Commes des Garcons and Junya Watanabe trained Chitose Abe has got the whole fashion world in a tizzy. Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, and Suzy Menkes all consider themselves fans of this brand. So you better get on board with Sacai’s unique silhouettes and forward thinking designs. I mean, how awesome is the cable knit embossed print on leather? Knit and leather have always made a good match, and Sacai takes this duo elevates it even further.

Chanel

Chanel wows fashion fans once again with its brilliant Brasserie Gabrielle concept. Set in a traditional French brasserie, Karl Lagerfeld’s high concept design with futuristic tetrahedrons with tweed contrast perfectly with Parisian flair of the brasserie. His collection truly celebrates what’s great about Paris. My personal style picks from the show are the cap toe low block heels, tied ribboned belts, mosaic embroidery, and the distinctly contemporary bourgeois feel of the collection.

Isabel Marant

It Girl fashion fave Isabel Marant stays consistent with what she’s always been known for, which is wearable designs that combine her signature edge with figure flattering silhouettes. High waist trousers, stripes and tribal prints dominated the collection. Touches of femininity like ruffles and nautical preppy buttons were also present. Note the striped sweater and high waist paper bag trouser combo, I reckon it’ll be a prevalent ensemble for the season to come.

All images from Style.com

Which shows were your fave? It’s so hard to choose right? So many brilliant design and jaw-dropping shows this season!

Style Icon: Kim Kardashian

Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that Kim Kardashian’s style evolution is nothing short of amazing. From tabloid fodder and reality TV star, Kim Kardashian-West is now a bona fide fashion industry insider. Not only did she make the cover of Vogue this year, she is hobnobbing with the fashion industry’s best and brightest. Just check out her Instagram. Oliver Rousteing, Riccardo Tisci, and Carine Roitfeld are all her buddies.

Whether this style change is her hubby, Kanye West’s doing or not, Kim still pulls off every single ensemble with her own panache. Constantly draped in directional and chic couture, it is no doubt that Kim K. is cementing her place as a modern style icon. Here are my top picks of her 10 best looks:

The combination of that mustard yellow coat and eggplant colored crop top is unexpectedly chic. This look is composed of two pieces which have now become Kim’s signature–the oversized robe coat and hip-hugging pencil skirt. You will do well to invest in these two trendy pieces as well, it’ll give you chic points almost instantly. 

Showing off her love for Kanye, she dresses up her Yeezus concert tee with a cropped leather motorcycle jacket and black distressed denim. Heeled sandals finish off this casual look that packs a lot of glam and edge. 

Doing her own twist on the blazer and jeans look, Kim sports a pair of matching gray tee and jeans. That leather blazer with brass buttons is a statement making piece that gives the denim and tee a high dose of haute fashion. The white pumps are also a great way to lighten up this look and make it more daytime appropriate.

Matching sets are queen this year. Kim does her own take on the trend with a cowl neck crop top and pencil skirt combination. What makes this look stand out is her smart styling choices, the blush color is totally fashion forward and the high ponytail and embellished minaudiere adds to that effect.

Kim’s super cute Chanel Parfum acrylic purse goes to show that she has fun with fashion. This playful piece makes the rest of her tailored look more powerful and interesting. I also love the softness and slight drape of her blazer.

You can’t really expect a less than stellar airport look from Kim K. She jazzes up her all black winter outfit with a mini snakeskin Hermes bag. The animal print and rich texture stands out even more against her chic all black look.

Kim could teach a master class in donning a pencil skirt. She simply looks stunning in this red knit pencil skirt and dove gray mock turtleneck sweater. This look is proof that it’s all about the silhouette, you can wear two skin tight pieces together without looking trashy. This is a certainly classy look, punctuated by an amazing pair of red ankle strap PVC stiletto heels. 

This midnight blue creation is perfection to say the least. From the surprising color choice, the thigh high slit,down to the vintage inspired T-strap heels, Kim totally ruled the red carpet in this frock. The simple yet sophisticated beauty look and accessory styling adds to the Old Hollywood vibe.

Can we please look this good walking through the airport? Kim dresses up a comfy denim button down with a tuxedo blazer and peach hued leather pants. All these 3 pieces work so harmoniously to make her look every bit the superstar.

Kim can officially be called the reigning queen of oversized coats. She makes a play once again for this dramatic outerwear silhouette, and marries it with the winter white trend. Mixing different neutral hues of cream and beige, this look is the very definition of modern elegance.

Photos from WhoWhatWear and Elle

 Which look are you loving?

Style Icon: Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner stormed the runways with a purpose this year. Renaming herself, simply Kendall, she was determined to be taken as a serious, high fashion model this year. Often quoted saying that being a Kardashian has been the opposite of beneficial for her modeling career, Kendall’s stellar success this season is proof that she is slowly making her way up to Karlie Kloss modern supermodel status. The VS Angel rumors are a good indication of a budding and promising career in the modeling world.

Kendall had a lot of memorable turns at the runway this Spring 2015, and even more than that, she has shown that she has the fashion chops to pull of the ever elusive and highly coveted model off duty street style. I give you the rundown of her top 5 runway appearances and her top 5 off-duty looks.

The gingham-filled Diane Von Furstenberg collection got a lot of mentions and accolades from the fashion press. Kendall’s runway look is one of the best in the show, this DVF frock is classically timeless and feminine.

Kendall wowed on the Tommy Hilfiger show with a youthful and flirty bikini, with equally playful and adorable star tattoos.

Almost unrecognizable in a blunt bob wig, Kendall stomps down the Marc Jacobs runway in golden and glimmering sporty slides that continue to echo that shower sandals/chunky flatform trend.

Radiant and resplendent on the Ports 1961 show at Milan Fashion Week, this sheer gossamer ensemble looks gorgeous on Kendall. This look is perfect for summers on the Italian riviera.

Of course Kendall had to walk down the Balmain runway. She’s best buds with Oliver Rousteing after all. Thin bands hold together this tough looking dress, with a definite rock n’ roll vibe.

Runway Images from Teen Vogue

You can’t call yourself a bona fide model if you can’t pull off a classic white T-shirt, and make it look glamourous. Major style points for you Kendall, your strappy heels and leather leggings are the perfect pieces to go with your casually cool white tee.

The best way to balance a sky high sexy side slit? With a boxy fur vest, of course.

Ladylike with a touch of mod, this is the right way to do a matching printed pantsuit while still looking young and chic.

Another model off duty style trademark? Wearing menswear-inspired footwear with almost everything. Kendall’s gold captoe monk strap brogues instantly upgrade her white trousers and slouchy tee outfit.

Kendall flaunts her legs for days in the perfectly nonchalant afterparty outfit, an oversized tee worn as a dress with over-the-knee slinky suede boots.

Style Images from Refinery29

What looks did you love from Kendall? I loved watching her style evolution this year!