Fashion Week Wrap-Up: Paris

By Robert Cordero
March 24, 2010

The Paris Fashion Week shows confirmed that for next fall, designers are keeping this minimal. But minimal doesn't mean mundane. Here are five trends that bring pared down fashion to a whole new level.

Sturdy Forms

Rigid silhouettes are commanding sartorial choices. Nicolas Ghesquiere framed a collage of fabrics and textures in rectangles that looked strong but not boxy. At Lanvin, Alber Elbaz stiffened the bulbous shapes from the past season into strong shoulders, as did Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy. Even Miu Miu's '60s-style dresses had strong hems, which looked like layered petals.

Balenciaga (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Lanvin (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Get the Look eBay:

New Comme Des Garcons Square Wool Sharp Shoulder Sweater (buy it now price, $575), Thierry Mugler High Neck Padded Shoulder Skirt Suit (buy it now price, $349.99) New Padded Shoulders Balmain Black Blazer Stud Jacket (sold for $2,900)

Leather Tops

Clothing made of leather can easily channel toughness, but the versatile material can also be soft, supple and clean. Gareth Pugh's geometric collection included jackets made from sculptural leather panels. Hermes, well known for having the most supple and luxurious bags, this season infused simple leather tops and dresses into its the brand's ready-to-wear product mix. Celine followed the brown tops from last season with sleek shiny black versions that are sure to be big hits.

Gareth Pugh (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Celine (Photo by Eric Ryan/Getty Images)

Get the Look on eBay:

New Duarte Riley Black Leather Zip Shirt Top (buy it now price, $159)

Camel Coats

There's no doubt that camel will be the "it" coat of the fall 2010 season. Fortunately, shoppers will have a lot of options to choose from. Giambattisa Valli sent out a version that was short and capelike, while Akris showed one with an oversize collar and gathered sleeves, Ann Demeulemeester's was an easy wrap style, and Michael Kors included a swing-y coat in a collection which featured the shade throughout.

Giambattista Valli (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Akris (Photo by Nathalie Lagneau/Catwalking/Getty Images);

Get the Look on eBay:

Vintage Cashmere Wool Coat Camel Brown (buy it now price, $169)

Long, Full Skirts

After many mini-filled seasons, hemlines seems to be taking a downturn. Marc Jacobs' showed A-line styles in various shades of thick wool for his namesake collection, while for Louis Vuitton, he showed them in feminine floral prints. At Chloe, a brown leather skirt provided a womanly counterpoint to the trouser-heavy collection.

Chloe (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Louis Vuitton (Photo by Eric Ryan/Getty Images)

Get the Look on eBay:

Stunning Marni Blue Cotton Full Swing Skirt (buy it now price, $499)

Transparent Fabrics

Sheer fabrics added a dynamic layer to designers' presentations. Yves Saint Laurent's clear plastic coverings of over tailored tops were reminiscent of religious capes. Balmain's see-through chiffon blouses were worn underneath fur jackets for an amped up sex appeal. Yohji Yamamoto's top and dress were fashioned from black mesh. Christian Dior's flouncy multi-layered silk dresses allowed flirty peeks of the skin. A Martin Margiela's chiffon trousers hung gracefully on the body as if suspended in air.