Marie-Christiane Marek (Paris Modes): ‘Mini-skirts and coats were the stars of Paris Fashion Week’
Relaxnews: For the first time in eight years, H&M unveiled its new collection during a show. Did it do as well as the bigger brands?
Marie-Christiane Marek : H&M did itself proud and organized an event worthy of the biggest shows such as Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior. The brand recreated a manor in the gardens of the Musée Rodin with every rooms set up, from the bathroom to the library. All the guests were seated comfortably and welcomed with champagne.
The models hit the catwalk with sailor caps and over-the-knee boots. They were wearing current, urban fashion and just like in other shows, mini-skirts were a key piece. So in the end, the difference will be the considerably cheaper price, with three fewer zeros than the top designers.
R: From what you saw at the shows, what will be the key trends for Fall/Winter 2013/2014 ?
MCM: I noticed several trends, such as mini-skirts and mini-dresses, although Jean Paul Gaultier and Givenchy went for the longer look. The sober transparency at Prada, in contrast to the rich brocades of Kenzo. There will also be short jackets and coats — from very short ones to very long ones, which are set to make a comeback. I also saw a lot of masculine fabrics — such as striped flannel, among others — used for feminine suits and dresses, at Stella McCartney, for example.
R: Which pieces did designers focus on?
MCM: Mini-skirts and coats were the stars of the collections.
R: Were accessories an important part of this Fashion Week ?
MCM: Yes, especially next season’s numerous handbags. Each brand wants its bags to become it-bags to boost sales.
R.: And shoe-wise?
MCM: Short Harley Davidson-style boots with thick soles gave collections a hard streetwear edge, especially the most prominent ones like at Chanel and Saint Laurent.
R: Did an unusual piece capture your attention?
MCM.: A new design at Givenchy that came straight from Riccardo Tisci’s imagination. Just like the entire collection, this piece was inspired by the way gypsies wear their jackets around their waists. Done the Givenchy way, it was a reversed zipped bodice waist-band. It is essentially a sleeveless jacket.
R: Which show was your favorite?
MCM.: Givenchy, because of the colors, the shapes and the emotion. The Halle Freyssinet came to life with music and songs by Antony and the Johnsons accompanied by The Heritage Orchestra.
