Parisian Fashion Feasts a la Dior, Cardin…

Balmain, Christophe Decarin, is nothing if not consistent but the punk rock star theme lacks the flash and dash of past collections.  Yes, there are safety pins and torn hose but the ripped up cutoffs are a bit de trop.  The overall look seems to have been designed by Madonna’s daughter rather than the man who delivered $20,000 rock star jackets and gowns.  Mr. Decarin is running the risk of losing his audience very quickly with a collection like this.

Balmain Paris Spring Fashion SHow 2010 collection

Rick Owens….there’s always too much intellectualizing and this collection but this season delivered a collection that did not require the verbiage as the clothes spoke for themselves.  There were hints of vintage Jil and perhaps a few of the Japanese, but Spring provided plenty of the signatures of Rick Owens and plenty to attract new clientele as well.  Razor sharp, constructed and extreme but more than a few fleeting moments of true beauty.

Rick Owens Paris Spring Fashion 2011

Pierre Cardin returned to the runway this season with the same consistency and originality that has become a trademark for his brand.  It is often hard to distinguish between the brand and the createur but never think that Cardin, the designer, is out of the game.  The show presented his space age moments his signature clean lines as well as his bows and his draping; he will never be accused of being Johnny one note.  Keep in mind he was the first to solely own his own empire and still does which is more than we can say about almost any other company with similar revenue.  He should be respected and revered for having been a pioneer in this business.

Pierre Cardin Paris Fashion Spring 2011 Show

Dior, John Galliano, brought everyone to Hawaii, maybe Tahiti, but it was definitely the tropics.  The girls were vampy, the girls were campy but the overall presentation, clothes included, did not live up the expectation of spectacular that we have become accustomed to from Dior.  The problem is that every show cannot be a blockbuster but we can always be happy that it was certainly more than satisfactory.

Dior Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Dior Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Dior Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Lanvin, Alber Elbaz……word association…urbane, chic, slick, pleated, modern, draped and zipped….and there you have Lanvin.  Mr. Elbaz has turned the sleepy brand into a blockbuster must for modern women of the 21^st century.  This is the one stop shopping destination for his clientele.  There was color, caftans,zipping, draping, clean lines and all the Lanvin signatures that Mr. Elbaz has created for the Lanvin woman……there are few collections on any continent that can rival its appeal ……BRAVO !!!!

Lanvin Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Lanvin Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Lanvin Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Roland Mouret didn’t hit the replay button but instead hit extended play where he massaged his signature looks for Spring.  He teased us with color and eased the shapes while adding some much more relaxed sportswear looks which were less on the mark that his usual fare.  Hopefully by Fall, the look will have solidified for a more extensive collection

Roland Mouret Paris Fashion Spring 2011

Many thanks once again to Jeffrey Felner our resident Fashion Guru for these excellent reports on What’s the go for Spring 2011.