PFW diary: Our cheat sheet to a day full of Jean Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf, Cacharel, Sonia Rykiel, and Kanye West gossip
Judging from the long line-ups at the Gelato stands I whizzed by today, Paris is doing Summer: Part Deux. While the temperatures continue to soar, the PFWers continue to get creative with the contents of their luggage in an attempt to beat the heat: Knits are paired with shorts and summer dresses with suede knee-high boots; open-toed flat sandals are back; hair has gone the way of the top knot and makeup is down to a slash of bright lipstick. Bags run the gamut from leather to straw to skins to canvas. And sunglasses? If you don’t have a pair that’s brightly coloured/aviator/dark and oversized/white, you might as well stay in your hotel room and catch up on the Jackson Trial. Luckily, I brought two pairs that fit the bill (David Yurman and Marc Jacobs) so I spent Saturday dodging French doggie doo on the streets in between shows and presentations. Here’s the highlight reel of my day:
Best bang for your buck presentation: CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND Americans in Paris preview at the Palais Royale. A global showcase for ten past CFDA/VOGUE FF designers, including Eddie Borgo, Pamela Love, Prabal Gurung, Sophie Théallet and Monique Péan, were selected to participate. A great chance to meet and great this genius fashion pack.
The juiciest gossip: Kanye West’s debut show (and which celebs attended).
The accessory every editor wants/needs: Band-aids at la Pharmacie.
Best off-duty model sighting: Claudia Schiffer (and her man candy) strolling the streets before Jean Paul Gaultier. Schiffer is hosting a presentation next week of her debut cashmere collection. Stay tuned….
Best set of the day: Viktor & Rolf’s Barbie-inspired chanteuse duo, Brigitte, in their Jill-and-the-Beanstalk bright gowns that towered over the runway. One of their giant skirts parted like curtains et voilà! The first model hit the runway.
Best tressed: Jean Paul Gaultier’s retro-inspired pompadour rolls. Gwen Stefani would approve.
Coolest colour: The sky blue looks at Cacharel were equivalent to an Evian atomizer; they refreshed and rejuvenated the parched show-goers.
The new work-to-play bag: Sonya Rykiel’s silver foil tote. Think of it as cookie sheet couture.
Le crush du jour: Haider Ackermann’s trouser suits—raw silk and Indian gold-stamped sari fabrics in an array of rich jewel tones. If you splurge on one new suit this season make sure it’s one of these.
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