Paris Fall 2011 Fashion Week Runway Report

By Leah Chernikoff
March 10, 2011

The drama that has played out over 2011 Paris Fashion Week (Galliano getting canned at Dior—and now we hear being replaced by Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci; Cristophe Decarnin’s mysterious absence at Balmain; and that Hannah McGibbon’s latest show for Chloe would be her last) have nearly overshadowed the clothes on the 2011 Paris fashion runway. Nearly.

This past week top fashion designers, have shown us sleek pared down silhouettes - new fashion trends that hint at the ‘60s and ‘70s retro clothing, a penchant for winter white, feminine lingerie touches, and when it comes to prints, they've made it clear that reptile is best. Which is not to say that Paris doesn’t like a little flare, whether it’s fur embellishments (shaggy goat is the seaon's top pick) or gold dipped.

Here’s are the latest fashion trends that we’re seeing coming off the fashion runways.

Winter White

In creams and ivories, this winter fashion trend is white hot.

Style Trend As Seen at: McQueen, Cacharel, Hermes, Valentino

Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Fashions: Cacharel (Photo by Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage), Hermes (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); McQueen (Photo by Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage)

Roll over items for details

Magnin Ivory Maxi Dress Coat

(starting bid, $75)

New Bloomies Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater

(buy it now price, $89.95)

New Michael Kors Luxe Cream Wool Belted Coat

(buy it now price, $750)

Paris Fall 2011 Fashion Week Runway Report

Lingerie Touches

A hint of lace here, a bit of sheer there. Or a lot of both. Tease away.

Style Trends As Seen at: Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Stella McCartney, Valentino

Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Fashions: Nina Ricci (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Stella McCartney (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Valentino (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

New Jill Stuart Lace Tiered Dress

(buy it now price, $149)

New Nina Ricci Llace Camisole Dress

(buy it now price, $426)

New Gold Lace Mini Dress

(starting bid, $18.99)

Capelets

Like a cape only shorter. We’re not at Hogwarts here people. This is Paris. By way of the ‘60s.

Style Trend As Seen at: Giambattista Valli, Gaultier, Lanvin

Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Fashions: Lanvin (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Giambattista Valli (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Gaultier (Photo by Dominique Charriau/Contributor)

New Anthropologie Moth Capelet Cape Sweater

(starting bid, $.99)

Giorgio Armani Vtg Capelet Style Jacket

(buy it now price, $775)

New Alice & Olivia Melody Faux Fur Capelet

(buy it now price, $79.99)

Going for Gold

Paris fashion designers weren’t afraid to get a little blinged out.

Style Trend As Seen at: Balmain, Comme de Garcons, Stlla McCartney, Vivienne Westwood

Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Fashions: Comme des Garcons (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Balmain (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images), Vivienne Westwood (Photo by Nathalie Lagneau/Catwalking/Getty Images)