Fashion Blog

PARIS, Feb 27, 2008 / FW/ — Paris is and will always be a nexus of inspiration and design.  For fashion, the sheer amount of talent in city is overwhelming which makes it impossible for everyone to have their own runway show during the prêt-a-porter season. 

As a compromise, many very talented designers opt for presentations where they can put on display their collection in a less formal but more intimate setting. Anne Fontaine and Matthew Ames chose installations instead of a catwalk show. But, before we went there, my partner Thomas and I, dropped by Le Carrousel du Louvre to attend the Akris runway show.

Akris

As the lights dimmed and the models began walking the large U shaped runway we were immediately taken by the beautiful rich color palette used in this collection.  Light cream, burnt umber, burnt rose, earthy greens & charcoal browns were combined with sheer black tops, skirts and the occasional beige & dark chocolate wool scarf reaching to the floor. 

Many of the pieces demonstrated the use of the rectangular panels suspended by sheer material giving almost the feel of Japanese warrior armor.  Thus, a tension of beauty resulted by pulling one in and at the same time pushing away or a shielding the wearer from those who approached. 

Beautiful two-piece jackets and fur skirts moved down the runway on a foundation of rounded toe boots and suede shoes.  Mixed opinions could be heard from the audience after the show but it seems that everyone found something positive about this collection.

Anne Fontaine

Anne Fontaine has a unique approach to fashion, beauty and health.  Her presentation and cocktail party held at the Anne Fontaine Spa combined a beautiful clothing and accessories collection with a truly fabulous health spa down stairs. 

In her own words, “I have noticed that French people in Paris tend to be somewhat closed-in as many people become in large bustling cities around the world.  I am attempting to draw out the person inside, to become more relaxed and at ease.  I want them to become as a new person from the inside out by combination of spa, fashion and beauty”. 

Her collection centered mostly around black and white pieces with little embellishments for the sophisticated woman.  Upon exiting, we were given a stunning printed piece showing artistic close-up photos of her collection by Guido Mocafico. 

Matthew Ames

Another talented designer this season who choose to present his collection is Matthew Ames.  In a small space in the 3rd district of Paris he invited the media to view his collection. 

With beautiful flowing pieces that wrapped colors of charcoal, black, cream to blue to green and pink, Matthew’s collection was aimed for the luxury buyer living a warmer winter climate. 

Embellishments were not to be seen as he superbly demonstrated his mastering of draped cashmere and soft wool pieces on display that day; overall a beautiful and elegant collection.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Barnes)