With restrictions still in place in Paris, designers had to be creative and find new digital ways to show their collections, in the recent Paris Ready To Wear week. Both Dior and Schiaparelli went for fairytales and drama. La Metamorphose created glamorous gowns plus leather, lace and eye catching knee high gold boots in their Wings Of Love collection and Balmain had a Top Gun moment showing us how to do khaki, gold and navy blue.
It was amazing to see Dior showing in the famous Versailles ‘ Hall of Mirrors’. This space has such a special cultural significance to the French people. Maria Grazia Chuiri gave a nod to her Italian heritage by using the work of artist, Silvia Gambrone, who used wax to obscure reflections and added thorns. The Collection titled Disturbing Beauty was a nod to the dark and dramatic fairytales of old. Mirrors were significant as they have always played a big part in fairytales.
Navy, white, red, black and blue abounded with happy yellows, pinks and mint in flowing showstopper gowns. There were Alice in Wonderland dresses with pinafores and crisp white shirts. Some added the edge in leather and laser cut. There were Little Red Riding Hood capes and jackets and some feminine broderie anglaise.
Classic Dior tailoring featured in suits and Dior bar jackets. Surprising for me were the animal print and aviator jackets and hats with shearling. Fairytale Tulle gowns and skirts delighted, some with sun ray pleats. Dior Cannage was used in puffer coats and the vintage roses and apple motifs adorned many pieces. It was a versatile and covetable collection filled with dark drama befitting its magnificent setting.
My friend , Greg Alexander from Mephistopheles, created a beautiful film for designers La Metamorphose and their Wings Of Love Collection. It was filmed at the Chouchou Hotel in the Opera district of Paris. Colours were dramatic with black and red and a beautiful metallic black and silver in gowns. Many looks were paired with dramatic gold over knee boots. There were amazing all black and black and silver pant suits, pussy bows and high neck metallic looks. I loved the sheer and lace pieces.There were truly fierce looks in timeless leather and angel wings on the backs of jackets. I loved the glamour and beauty of this gorgeous and truly glamorous collection.
Balmain’s Collection Above and Beyond was a favourite for me. It was inspired by air travel and they inventively filmed their designs in and around Air France’s biggest jetliners, hangars and engine -testing laboratories. Khaki green featured heavily in daywear, with tailored coats with gold buttons, shearling vests and bomber jackets plus roomy pants for men and women. A quilted army green cardigan had been upcycled with 68 000 Swarovski crystals. There were eye catching silver lame looks and gorgeous navy with gold accessories. Balmain’s beloved stripes featured in wearable knits and there were pops of fluoro accessories with lime, orange , hot pink and yellow. I loved the red coat and knit paired with silver lame pants and the gold jumpsuit with a navy coat. The collection was futuristic but with a nod to the ‘80’s and I loved the references to space and travel. Eye catching luggage and oversized sunglasses were a great addition.
Although I am missing being at the shows in real time, I am loving the inventive ways Parisian fashion has found to showcase these enticing collections and the fact that a front row seat is accessible to all. There are so many great fashion shows online right now so why not follow your favourite designers to inspire you with their latest looks. I can guarantee you a front row seat.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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