Paris Fashion Week was full of excellent looks for the fall, and designers are already predicting the upcoming season’s trends. Some of the highlights include Chanel’s homage to tweed, Demna Gvasalia’s take on climate change, and the first posthumous show by Off-White, which was held following Virgil Abloh’s death. Read on for some of the highlights from prominent designers that will influence trends this fall.
Dior
During the show, which was held in Paris, singer and actress Rihanna showed her growing baby bump, and the house’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, presented a variety of new looks that were both elegant and envelope-pushing. Chiuri’s looks for the fall and winter featured high-tech gear that was designed to keep people’s bodies protected. Black was a strong color during the show, and it’s usually the house’s signature color.
According to WWD, Chiuri collaborated with D-Air Labs, a start-up that makes high-tech equipment that can be used by scientists working in extremely cold temperatures. One of the creations featured in the show was a version of the company’s Antarctica suit, which features an electronic control unit.
The collaboration between tech and fashion is no surprise, as both industries are known to push the limits of what’s possible. As a result, it’s no wonder that both the fashion and tech industries are constantly pushing the envelope.
Chanel
The company’s DNA is tied to the use of the iconic textile tweed, and in the fall/winter 2022 collection, Virginie Viard paid tribute to its heritage. Throughout the show, models wore various looks that featured the color of Scotland’s River Tweed. The casual approach to dressing was also a key component of the collection.
Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton RTW show was a major event, as it was the company’s first runway show to be held at the Musée d’Orsay. It was also a first for the museum.
The company’s looks for the winter and fall seasons featured various colors, such as black and white leather jackets. It’s no secret that Vuitton takes inspiration from its past, as the company started as a leather goods manufacturer.
The company’s new collection featured various looks, such as leather bags and large jackets. It also featured darker colors that are typically associated with winter. The large, oversized blazers were also a key component of the collection.
Valentino
Pierpaolo Piccioli, the creative director of the company, said that he wanted to create a collection that was inspired by the colors of the Renaissance. The collection featured a variety of black and white looks, and it was focused on the clothes themselves. One of the most prominent looks in the collection was a mini dress that featured a retro-inspired “Madonna meets the street” neckline.
The bold colors used in the collection were also meant to emphasize the models’ bodies. Many of them included icons such as Kristen McMenamy and Penelope Tree. With the help of Piccioli’s visual presentation, it’s believed that everyone will be wearing hot pink in the upcoming season.
Balmain
If the other colors featured in the collection went with darker tones, then the models at this show went for white ensembles.
In a statement released before the show, Rousteing, the creative director of the company, expressed his thoughts and prayers for the people of Ukraine. He also noted that it was hard to focus on the fashion industry’s negative aspects due to the current state of the world. However, he said that the company was inspired by the country’s resilience and devotion to freedom.
Balenciaga
Like many other designers, Gvasalia did not intend to address the harsh realities of war. However, due to the current situation in Ukraine, he was forced to rethink his decision to present the collection. He decided to stay in the country and support its people.
In his show notes, Gvasalia said that he initially thought about canceling the show. However, he decided that he would have to surrender to the evil that had affected him for so long. He said that he was ready to put on a show for his team and the customers, but he realized that canceling would mean giving in to the situation’s negativity.
He decided that he could no longer allow himself to be associated with the cruel and senseless actions of the war ego. To address climate change, Gvasalia used a simulated snow globe to show his collection. Models walked down the runway wearing furs and carrying bags made from the brand’s new mycelium-based material. The runway closed with a bright blue dress that represented Ukraine.