Paris fashion week closed out a month of shows in dramatic fashion: Fancy venues! Celebrity sightings! Hot lifeguards! The City of Lights put on (many) a runway spectacle that will go down in industry history. Below, some highlights:
1. The venues were more elaborate than ever:
Gucci kicked it off at legendary ’70s night club Le Palace with a theatrical spectacle that included a live bird, flying pig-themed accoutrements and a performance by French icon Jane Birkin. Anthony Vaccarello’s models walked on actual water in a custom built pool against the backdrop of a glittering Eiffel Tower. Chanel rounded it out by building built a sandy beach complete with softly crashing waves and a front row appearance by Pamela Anderson – who traded her signature red Baywatch one-piece for a white tweed skirt suit and high heels.
2. Celebrities made major appearances – on and off the runway:
Between Cardi B’s surprise performance at Etam, Eva Longoria walking the runway (three months after giving birth) at L’Oreal’s runway spectacle on the Seine, and A-list heavy-hitters like Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and Liv Tyler clad in chic all-black looks front row at Givenchy, there was no shortage of star wattage in the City of Lights. Rounding it out? The endless list of bold-faced names who closed out fashion month at Louis Vuitton’s show at the Louvre.
Thom BrowneGetty Images3. Lifeguards are trending:
Because safety first? Whatever the reason, lifeguards emerged as the sleeper trend of the week. Thom Browne’s were clad in sheer sailboat-printed bodysuits and masks, while Chanel’s were more of your tanned and toned variety. That’s haute … or hot (as they say).
Each x Other (left), Poiret and LoeweGetty Images4. Rainbows are having a moment:
They were everywhere: pastel ombre pantsuits at Each x Other, dreamy and caped at Poiret, or subtly draped scarves at Loewe. We’re calling this now as a trend you’ll be chasing come spring.
Getty Images5. Everything Valentino:
By the time the Paris schedule is in full swing, showgoers are at the height of fashion fatigue. So. Many. Shows. So when legendary ’90s model Kristen McMenamy opened Valentino in an off-shoulder black gown, guests visibly straightened their postures and paid attention. A parade of Valentino red gowns, sequined floral frocks trimmed in feathers, and oversized feathery hats followed suit, as did a smattering of models beautifully bedazzled with Swarovski crystals around their eyes. As creative director Pierpaolo Piccoli took his finale bow, he was received with the ever-elusive standing ovation. Bravo.
