Paris Fashion Week - Fall 2012

Here’s a round-up of all my favourite looks from the shows in Paris last week. I’m breaking it up into two parts because there are quite a few. Let me know what you thought about the collections shown in Paris and Milan over the last few weeks. 

 I loved Acne’s Fall runway show for many reasons. First of all I loved how Jonny Johanssen subtly incorporated faux leather and fur amongst more luxurious fabrics. The colour pallette was full of deep tones like rust red, moss green as well as pastels, which really added a light touch to the collection . I really loved the way the looks were layered, especially the cropped shearling lined leatherette (yeah you heard right, fake leather!) jacket and the quilted jacket worn over yet another quilted jacket. I love the way they played around with length as well. Altogether I’d say it was one of the collections that really captured the modern day man’s wardrobe in a successful and playful manner.

Spring Edit 2012 - Sporty/Formal

One of the key trends this spring will be fusing sportswear and more formal pieces together. So look out for high tech, lightweight fabrics being mixed with more traditional tailored jackets as seen at Mugler and Lanvin. Also bare in mind that shorts will become much shorter, especially those with the confidence to work this daring look. The look and feel for this spring is much more relaxed and playful so don’t be afraid to mix colours and layer different textures. I’m especially loving the way Dolce and Gabbana have experimented with lightweight mesh t-shirt and shorts. Here’s hoping that we’ll have the perfect weather to compliment this bold fashion statement!

Milan Fashion Week - Versace Fall 2012

Versace’s Fall collection was a return to what made the iconic fashion house so popular in the first place. Donatella went back to the days of Miami glamour and excess. The collection went from Versace’s signature studded denim and leather to psychedelic floral patterned jackets with fur trim. It had a definite 90s feel to it as seen in the boxy silhouette of the suits and jackets and the denim on denim combos.

Some of the stand-out pieces for me were the suits with contrasting pinstripes in pink and the sky blue cardigan with a matching fur collar. The Swarovski-embroidered blazers added a real sense of glamour to the collection.

Versace’s collection was probably one of the most daring and adventurous shows of Milan Fashion Week, I love the way they toe the line between garish and gorgeous so effortlessly. I feel that Donatella produced a collection that every die-hard Versace fan will be anxiously waiting for.

Milan Fashion Week - Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2012

Masimillano Giornetti’s Autumn/Winter collection was the definition of male power dressing. Giornetti’s silhouette for this collection was strong and sophisticated and almost cold at times. The cut of the suits was sharp and the upturned, exaggerated collars on the coats and jackets reminded me of the sinister villains in classic Alfred Hitchcock films.

The colour palette for this collection featured darker tones of grey and rich berry tones with hints of rust as well. The textures in the outerwear and evening jackets range from plush velvets and silks to speckled wool and tweed, producing a versatile, wearable collection. The genius behind Giornetti’s latest work is how he has balanced luxury and practicality to create a cohesive, well-tailored look that will certainly make it’s rounds in many fashion editorials to come.

Milan Fashion Week - Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012

No one celebrates being British more than Christopher Bailey. His latest Fall collection for Burberry Prorsum was a true celebration of a contemporary gentleman, fully suited in quilted leather and tweeds and just as comfortable in the country as he is in the hustle and bustle of the city.

In this collection, Bailey laid great emphasis on the suit as one the most important components of a man’s wardrobe. The form fitting suits featuring double-breasted jackets and well tailored trousers again proved why Burberry is known for it’s sartorial brilliance. Bailey stuck mostly to the grey tones for his tweed and herringbone suits but also included more luxurious velvet suits towards the end of the show. Cropped bomber jackets and flashes of vibrant colour in the shoes and bags gave this collection a really fresh, modern feel.

The collection had enough to make both the urban city slicker and the country gent grin from ear to ear and I’m sure it will be another greatest season for one of Britain’s finest exports.

Images courtesy of: HommeModel