Fashion Week in Paris is always my favorite place to indulge in the sheer beauty and luxury of fashion. The exclusive runway shows are truly a production which reflects the designer’s vision and showcases his or her collection in the exact way it is intended to be presented to the public. Each collection is open to interpretation and scrutiny, which is half the fun of it. Like any other art form, fashion design is never going to be understood or liked by everyone.
Another thing I adore about Paris Fashion Week is visiting the showrooms. The Parisians do their best to maintain the glamour of the “old industry”. Buyers have the pleasure of being treated to gourmet food in beautiful showrooms where the staff is impressively knowledgeable and designers are often present. There is usually a slight air of Parisian arrogance which somehow only enhances the experience. What a contrast to the endless supply of Mangia and rushed market appointments we tend to experience in New York!
Now that Paris Fashion Week has come to an end, I have viewed almost every collection. Many of them were stunning, but the collections that truly caught my eye are Chanel, Givenchy, Valentino, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Roland Mouret, Nina Ricci, Fendi, Moncler Gamme Rouge and Libertine. It is certainly going to be the year of the coat and there is quite an incredible selection to choose from right now! I do have to say that hands down, my favorite collection for Fall 2013 is Christian Dior. Absolutely incredible! The colors, fabric, shapes and incorporation of Andy Warhol’s early work is truly breathtaking.