Paris Fashion Week A/W'12

These are my highlights from the fall collections at Paris fashion week. It's been hard to narrow down my favourites, as the fashion weeks came to a close the collections on show in Paris were most definitely on top!

Christian Dior 

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Bill Gaytten's second ready-to-wear show comprised Dior's masculine tailoring with a feminine edge. He featured houndstooth prints embroidered on jackets. Waists were cinched in with belts. Models wore block pointe platforms with ribbon like straps in keeping with the ballet theme. Mauve, wine and pink shades featured heavily throughout the collection. Many of the designs encompassed midi tu-tu style skirts and pretty pleats. I loved the feminine silhouette conveyed through the designs. The structured evening gowns looked stunning in silks and layers of lace. Sparkling crystal statement necklaces added to the glamorous feel. 

Lanvin

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Lanvin's A/W collection celebrated Alber Elbaz's ten years of success at the brand. The catwalk was awash with rainbow coloured structured dresses featuring ruffles and peplum waists. The collection showed its tougher edge with leather dresses styled with black fur collars and long leather gloves. Gold and black brocade dresses and extravagant jewelled necklaces provided a glamorous touch. The finale saw patterned evening dresses styled with coloured fur stoles and jackets.

Chanel 

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Chanel staged a stunning show transforming The Grand Palais into an ice wonderland complete with giant lavender crystals on the catwalk. Layered skirts were styled over short trousers. There were various colours of tweed. Jackets were left open creating a looser silhouette. Models wore ankle boots with perspex heels and sported bold sparkling glitter and crystal eyebrows. Coats were jewelled and styled with mohair snoods and glitter covered jeans. Chanel conveyed their delicate feminine edge with chiffon pussy bow blouses worn with glitter embellished sheer skirts and jewelled belts and bangles. 

Alexander McQueen 

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Sarah Burton showcased a fantasy collection at Alexander McQueen. Models wore futuristic style visors. Tailored white embellished dresses and jackets with ruched hems and peplum waists were cinched in with metal bow and floral belts. Models wore boots covered in white fur secured with buckles. There was stunning layered lace creations on show, I loved the ivory tiered lace dress. Dramatic fur gowns were accessorised with feathers round the wrists and on the cutaway heel platforms .Wonderful feathered dresses with a tropical feel in reds and pinks became more and more lavish in leading to the finale. 

I also loved Jean Paul Gaultier's glamorous layered looks, Elie Saab's continuously stunning evening wear, Valentino's lace and leather designs, and Marc Jacobs' Louis Vuitton fairy tale fashion train.

Who were your catwalk favourites in Paris?