Paris SS12

You know, I'm the kind of person who always saves the best for last, but man, after a month of catching up with countless new collections, it gets pretty exhausting. Fashion month has finally come to a close, and just in time for my finals! Paris is always my favorite and this season was no exception. I'll try to see if I can fit all of my favorites in one post.

See the photos and reviews after the jump!

Akris, much like Prada, found inspiration in cars for this season. I much preferred their take on it. It was more subdued and less in-your-face. The highlight for me was the print of the men watching a car race taken from a famous painting or photo (I forget). The rest of the collection, I thought, was simple enough, but not boring.

Comme des Garcons had an on-trend all white collection. One bride after another walked down the runway- one with her hands tied in a bow, some with sleeves so long that her hands get lost, one buried in flowers. It's great to see this, the delicateness, coming from Rei. At the same time, the giant sleeves and cage skirts make the clothes not too ladylike.I always fall in love with a drama collection and this is definitely one of those!

Lanvin was, to me, one of the best from Paris. I haven't really heard much raves about this collection, but I love it a lot! Obviously, it was one aspect that I liked most (I didn't even put in the light colorful dresses as I found them kind of repetitive and boring). The cross necklace seen on one model really interested me and I would have loved for Alber to explore that more. I guess I got kind of caught up with all the dark themes again! Other than that, the collection was really beautiful and sharp.

We can never not include Balenciaga!  It's like Prada in my book where I only fully appreciate it months after the collection shows. Balenciaga, though, I already like now, what more in a couple of months' time? That iridescence and the structuralism make it stand out. That plus the amazing accessories of great shoes and huge hats? Nicholas sure knows how to make a great collection.

Dries Van Noten is becoming one of my favorite labels. The prints are my favorite in this collection. That and the simplicity of everything else just work in this case.

At the very least, Louis Vuitton was amazing to watch. At most, it was a parade of beautiful shoes and beautiful clothes. I enjoyed the whole collection and even watched the entirety of it (usually I just look at photos on nowfashion then again on style.com for the purpose of blogging. By the time the video is up on youtube I get to lazy to finish past 3 minutes)! And okay, this collection has got me on board with the pointy toe pumps.

 Valentino is a staple on my favorites. The duo are actually really amazing. A lot of the pieces, I felt, were just modified from previous collections, but this season still had new and good things to offer. This season had a lot more leather and it looked amazing when coupled with lace. I really loved the "Barong Tagalog" inspired looks!

Alexander McQueen (ugh it's so weird saying that) this season was actually pretty awesome even with the absence of the genius that was Lee. I really want to love Sarah Burton, but as of now I only like her. I just think the McQueen label had such a feel to it. It wasn't a concrete definite thing, but I can tell it's gone just by looking at the clothes. So it's weird when Sarah designs things that looks McQueen, but it doesn't feel McQueen. UGH I AM MAKING NO SENSE. I know houses change creative directors all the time, but this time it's become so different, when in fact, the style of the clothes is sort of the same.Well, this collection was pretty and that's that. I don't think it needs explanations.

Giambattista Valli is one of my favorite designers. He consistently makes beautiful clothes that aren't loaded with drama and not over the top, but it's never boring either. This season there was more detailing than usual. I adored the all white pieces that played with textures. Everything from the excessive arm candy to the beading was phenomenal!

 I used to confuse Chloe with Celine all the time. This might take away some cool girl points, but I love the former more. Chloe always has these clothes that I can actually imagine myself wearing should I be model thin and loaded with cash. I can't wait for Zara to re-make these (minus three zeroes!)

Givenchy was NOT my favorite collection from Paris. I know, I know. *shock* *gasp* *horror* Don't get me wrong, Givenchy was top notch! I just expected something else from Riccy. This collection had impeccable tailoring, which I love too, but I think we get that from a lot of designers and what I love about Riccardo is his drama and yes, sometimes the gimmicks too, and I was really hoping to see that. The collection didn't make me go "Wow, that is so Tisci!" Okay, enough of my whining. Tisci said the collection was inspired by mermaids, and yes, I guess I see it with the waves and the shark tooth necklace. I just saw a lot of repetitive looks in this show and like the pieces were just switched and switched. Not a favorite collection.

Wow, I fit in my Paris list! I had to edit a bunch of then though (the previous list included Hakaan, Stella McCartney, Rue de Mail, Rochas & Pedro Laudico. You should check those out too!) All in all, I wasn't very impressed with this season, but there were a few great collections that stand out. Well, that was a fun (and hectic) fashion month! On to reality with finals week comping up! Tchao!