Paris: A chic jungle adventure at Dries

Climbing the carpeted marble steps to the grand hallway at Hôtel de Ville--the Paris equivalent of city hall--felt more like going to church than to a fashion show. The air was hushed, the mood somber, until one reached the hall of mirrors, modeled after the same at the Palace of Versailles. The thrill was palpable amongst those lucky enough to linger beneath the frescoed ceiling and chandeliers--save for the photographers who were squished between four columns at the end of the runway. Models in Dries Van Noten’s fall show strode in wearing structured jackets, pants cinched in below the knee, slouchy sweaters over pouf skirts, sparkling silver embroidery, and camel, which is quickly emerging as a fall must-have.

Read more from Paris Fashion Week Fall 2010