The runways of Paris Fashion Week were awash with a mélange of time periods and styles, with the transformative collections on display weaving a narrative of sartorial duality. The downpour outdoors did little to dampen the spirits inside, where the convergence of punk audacity and classical finesse dominated the fall-winter 2024 shows held on a memorable Saturday.
Read on for the standout moments from the day’s events:
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD: A RENDEZVOUS WITH NATURE, SERFDOM, AND PUNK
K-pop sensation Sandara Park graced the runway opener at Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, embodying the rebellious streak of punk in a pearl-bedazzled corset, holding a “Noblesse” board amidst the photographers’ flashes. An idyllic nature-inspired performance featuring live sounds and an arrangement of tree stumps set the scene for a collection that ventured into daring territory—melding history with rebellion.
The sartorial journey began with ingenious fusions harking back to medieval serfdom, interpreted through modern touches like leggings, jockstrap-like codpieces, mystical jewelry, and sweaters featuring suggestive cutouts. Both male and female models channeled Westwood’s signature punk flair from the 1980s with pieces that impressed, including a striking blue cone bra corset and garments with pronounced shoulder silhouettes. The designs on show played with a miscellany of historical and creative themes, resulting in a collection that celebrated both punk zeal and historical homage, encapsulating Westwood’s renowned ability to innovate by combining disparate influences.
LOUISE TROTTER’S SECOND ACT AT CARVEN
At Carven, a maison with a rich tapestry dating back to 1945, Louise Trotter delivered her sophomore collection. She blended the brand’s mid-century roots with a sleek 90s minimalism. The show commenced with a defining silhouette—a voluminous brown coat that succinctly captured the essence of Carven’s new era under Trotter’s helm.
What followed was a lineup of avant-garde pieces such as a dress with a trompe l’oeil impression creating an illusion of flatness, and an oversized gray jacket worn with a nonchalant ease, indicative of the collection’s understated yet deeply sensual allure.
FAQ Section
What was the theme of the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood collection at Paris Fashion Week?
The collection showcased a fusion of medieval serfdom with a punk attitude, combining historical elements with modern design.
What was notable about Louise Trotter’s second collection for Carven?
Trotter continued to balance the storied history of Carven with contemporary minimalism, creating avant-garde yet sophisticated designs indicative of the brand’s new direction.
Who led the open the show at Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood?
K-pop star Sandara Park opened the show, bringing a punk-edge to the collection with a pearl-embellished corset.
Conclusion
The displays at Paris Fashion Week demonstrated a remarkable blend of cultural epochs and styles, with Vivienne Westwood’s distinctive punk heritage mingling seamlessly with classic sophistication, while Carven under Louise Trotter displayed a refined synthesis of 50s and 90s sensibilities. These shows not only highlighted the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of fashion but also confirmed Paris as the enduring epicenter of avant-garde style.