

While at the shows, and on the street, certain things are defining Paris this fall.
Color of choice? Always noir.
Whether at Palais de Tokyo or Carousel de Louvre, fashion’s finest were out to shine, and certain elements seemed to take center stage.
The Red Lip
While I am usually strictly a Lancome fan, Chanel has taken over since I have been living in Paris. Aqualumiere gloss, seen above (and in my purse) in “Party Red,” is the perfect transition tone to introduce a bold lip into one’s fashion arsenal. European women j’adore their lipstick, and I can see why. It infuses a casual look with an undeniable polished beauty. Messy hair becomes high-fashion, a black coat comes to life amid a pale face with the pop of a red lip.
The Heavy Necklace
Beaded, embellished, encrusted, fabric lined. Lace, cloth-wrapped gems, chain-link, rope-cord.
Kirna Zabete’s Mother of Pearl Necklace. www.kirnazabete.com.
Worn on top of plain t-shirts, or fabulous stiff pret-a-porter short dresses, these necklaces can turn a simple top into a work of art, and accentuate a classic piece in a surprising way. It isn’t costume jewelry - it’s a fashion statement piece.
The Man’s Shirt
Be it a feminine version, like this one this Haute Hippie Cotton Pique Tuxedo Shirtdress, or a more traditional men’s cut, the oxford shirt has taken over. Possibly the new replacement for the boxy, unstructured tops of a few seasons ago, this gives some breathing room in the torso, while emphasizing the pin-thin legs of most Parisians. New Yorkers, this goes for you too.
The Boyfriend Jean
Joe’s Jeans “Ex-Lover Boyfriend Fit”
In-line with the often androgynous look of Parisians, these jeans, like a man’s shirt, when worn properly, can make a girl seem instantly mysterious and sexy.
The Oxford Flat
Perfect transition shoe for taking the metro between fashion shows, Oxford flats have been adorning the tootsies of Parisian women all fall. While I first noticed these in Bloomingdale’s on 59th street back in August before my transcontinental jump, I don’t believe they have taken hold of American feet as much as they have in Paris.
Hanneli Mustaparta wore a silver pair by Steve Madden to the Valentino show during S/S 10 Fashion Week, I guess her feet were tired from the Acne angular boots that she wore that morning while she shot street style before the Chloe show!
Speaking of Hanneli, she is now officially blogging for Vogue. Check out her coverage of the latest winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, designer Sophie Theallet. http://www.hanneli.com/
Acne Angular Boots - www.net-a-porter.com
The Unique Black Heel - Red Sole Required
Christian Louboutin’s Circus 120 Cutout Boots
While of course women wore shoes by designers other that Parisian Louboutin, the iconic red sole was certainly a theme for the week. In addition to the preponderence of the designer, there were other trends in regard to heels.
Platforms, straps, studs, grommets, straps. Swinging tassles, folded-over tops. Sky high.
Christian Louboutin’s Nitoinimoi Ankle Boot
Finishing at the bottom, Paris’s own Christian Louboutin has carried the fabulous women (and a few very daring men) into the Tuilerie Gardens, down Boulevard St. Germain, and all the way to Halle Freyssinet in the 13th arrondissment for shows like Valentino and Lanvin.
Paris fashion week has much to offer - lessons in Fashion, lessons in confidence, and most importantly, it can remind a person that there is still magic in fashion, and despite economic instability, it is a pillar of commerce that is here to stay.
ENCHANTE…
Garance Doré
Rad Hourani
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2010/spring/main/newyork/womenrunway/radhourani/
ComplexGeometries
ACNE
JARDIN DES TUILERIES
LEATHER
STOCKHOLMSTREETSYLE.FEBER.SE