The annual Fashion Week in Paris came to a close and once again the star-studded event did not disappoint. In addition to appearances by the always volatile Kayne West and recent mom Kim Kardashian, the Parisian runways were aglow with the latest fashions from iconic brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier.
The controversy at this year’s show came from designer Rick Owens who presented his Spring 2014 collection with what were termed “angry models”. However, the majority of Owens’ models were black women and this caused a stir among press and guests who felt the image played into a stereotype. Owens’ collection featured what can be called industrial-chic meets athletic-garb and included aggressive dance moves to high energy music. Longtime Vogue contributing editor Andre Leon Talley was one of the spectators who found the show challenging but admitted that the industry itself has a race problem, not any designer in particular.
Opting for shock without the backlash, Givenchy created a five car pile-up on the catwalk and featured models with tribal glitter masks made from Swarovski crystals. Kayne and Kim were front and center for the hyped show and even with all the flashbulbs, Mr. West maintained his composure.
The theme of the Paris shows was best expressed as women exerting their power and strength. Miranda Kerr stole the Stella McCartney show wearing a beautiful lace ensemble with patchwork twists and cut-outs that brought attention to the midriff as well as laser-cut prints.
McCartney fashions have been seen on such stylish women as Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively and Freida Pinto so expect to see more of her designs on the up and coming stars of today.
The big news of the week came from Louis Vuitton, but it wasn’t about their collections. Celebrated designer Marc Jacobs announced he is leaving the famed French fashion house. Jacobs has had a tumultuous few weeks, being blamed for the controversial makeover done to Miley Cyrus and having his boyfriend, Harry Louis, announce their relationship break up via Instagram. Only 50, Jacobs still has a lot of time ahead and while Paris was a roller coaster for the designer he still has his own label as well as 200 retail stores in 80 countries.