After coming off my Milan Fashion Week high, my first feeling about Paris was that designers were all over the place with no collective voice. Add to that a small resurgence of androgynous looks from the 80's, baggy clothes hinting of the 1990's and tarted up looks from this, the "Kardashian decade," I found myself less than enthusiastic about a market that once dominated my mindset. It was only after Paris fashion week was over when I took a good look at the ensemble of looks I had chosen did I recall that France is a market where designers push fashion forward with experimental concepts. It's also a market that prides itself on luxury brands and timeless classics. And for this reason, I have chosen to divide my report into two: one for those of you with dolls who like edgy clothes and a second one for dolls with more classic tastes. For right now, hang on and tightened up those safety belts....it's going to be a bumpy ride ahead!!!!
Sixties Hi-DefThere is a strong hint of '60's "mod" in next summer's fashions. The overall silhouette is pretty simple--A-line dresses, shifts and shorts, but this time in 3-dimensional textures. This is fun fashion that invites the crafts person to take over the reigns. String objects together, consider placemats as suitable material for summer gear. Let your imagination loose!!!!
Urban HipsterAt the base of these looks are urban staples: jeans, short skirts, denim jackets and the like. But instead of the "same old thing" these looks all have an interesting twist. The jeans skirt has triangles of contrasting fabric sewing into an asymmetrical look. Black jeans has a lightning strike of silver foil.
Holy Moly
The story here lies in the materials. Instead of traditional cotton or silk, take a look around for perforated fabrics, lattice work, mesh, screen or punch a few holes (in a strategic design pattern). In short, take a look around for other types of materials (the mesh covering of that fruit or vegetable???) and consider them for dolly's next edgy outfit!
Musee d'Art ModerneArt is always in and we love how the Europeans incorporate it into their collections. This is quite simple. Blow up a photo and print on fabric. Make a few brush strokes against a long silk skirt or add a few beads or sequins to bring a bird print alive.
Body BeautifulThis theme places the focus clearly on the body. The materials are a mix of old and new: macramé at Balmain, foiled leather at Estaban Cortazar. The shapes are simple and close to the body. But think out of the box when it comes to execution.
Waris wears a scaled down version of this super sleek look. the underskirt is suspended from one shoulder in a two-way stretch rayon/lycra jersey. The top is made from metallic leather that's been given a layer of silver foil. It's what I call--dressing for the 21st century!
Designer to the stars (including Rihanna & Beyoncé), the skirt produced by Balmain is macramé with a top made from jersey slats that crisscross over the body. Liu wears the dolly version. Her skirt is made from vintage crochet stitched together into this slim skirt. Like her full scale counterpart, bands of jersey crisscross over the body and are sewn into a panel at the back.
Couture Askew
At first glance these gowns are.....somewhat ugly.....but then look a little closer and see the beauty in the drapes. It's a wacked out version of high fashion. The materials are still noble (silk, chiffon, charmeuse), but the construction has an off-kilter look that I think would translate into some pretty interesting dresses for dolly!
Livin' LargeThe look is voluminous, cool, but still quite chic. Think wide trousers, loosely draped tops and dresses that drop easily to the ankles in a couple sweeps of white linen. By working in black or white, these silhouettes just work! It's an understated way to wear high fashion, without the pretention.
Sex and the CitySleek, sexy and thoroughly modern, there is enough 2-way stretch jersey to define a new millennium style, yet enough of the body revealed to keep things interesting. We loved how jewelry is incorporated in such a new way with this group. We love how the lines curve around the body to accentuate sexy parts of the body. Construction wise, anything goes. There are no rules (and even fewer when it comes to dolly's latest creations!) Think out of the box. But keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep it MODERN!!!
Up next---A "softer side" side to Paris Fashion Week.
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