The Best of Paris Fashion Week

The fashion world once again descended on Paris in late September to eye the latest cutting-edge catwalk trends. Fashionista Kristine Kilty rounds up her highlights.

A typical day for me in the kaleidoscopic fashion world includes directing celebrity cover shoots, designing visuals for leading jewellery brands and consulting on image direction for the most prestigious fashion houses. So, I love it when Paris Fashion Week comes around, just witnessing it all come together, the great and the downright brilliant all under one roof.

Most of all, I love savouring the sheer artistry that goes into each piece. Which leads me to my favourite looks from the most recent installment, and also, tips on which fabulous Parisian hotspots you should flaunt them at.

Stella McCartney

I am a vegan and an animal rights activist, so Stella McCartney floats my fashion boat. My wardrobe is bursting with her sustainable faux leather shoes and handbags, so it was a thrill when the designer debuted three accessory collaborations during the show. A world-first Stella Ryder bag made from Hydefy, a responsible material derived from fungi and sugarcane. A Stella McCartney X Adidas Rasant unisex trainer, inspired by vintage racing footwear. And a jewellery edit with 886 by The Royal Mint, featuring wearable dove sculptures cast from repurposed gold and silver.

McCartney created 96% of her collection from conscious materials, and with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, models stormed the catwalk wearing oversized masculine tailoring in a variety of rhino grey, ivory, cream, and soft salmon hues. After that, they showcased ultra-feminine column dresses, sequin halter necks coupled with low-slung jeans, and flowy cascading gowns. The light blue candy floss dress, crafted from recycled plastic bottles and caps, was absolutely stunning. I’d pair it with rhinestone chandelier earrings, six-inch heels, and rock it for a wild night out at Lapérouse.

Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli is a highlight for me each season. The show guarantees a star-studded front row, dramatic silhouettes and garment construction that is nothing short of sublime.

With Schiaparelli’s anatomical and trompe l’oeil signature details speckled throughout, the sculptural collection glorified the female form. Draped shirt dresses, stretch corsets, figure-hugging gowns cinched at the waist, sophisticated lightweight knitwear, and square shoulder jackets that accentuate the hourglass form were all part of the spectacle.

A single-breasted zebra jacket with a nipped-in waist, paired with low-rise cowboy trousers, was the standout look for me. The outfit, adorned with mismatched gold buttons, had some serious catwalk impact. I loved the sleek, tied up hair, clean makeup, and hefty zebra earrings. This maximalist ensemble is perfect for evening drinks at Hotel Costes.

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli is one of my go-to designers. No matter what my project entails, I know his exceptional creations will be front-runners. This season, Valli treated us to an exquisite show. The visual feast included a vivid orange hooded floor-length gown, a bumblebee yellow structured tweed jacket combined with pleated mini-skirt, and an abundance of ivory and baby pink weightless dresses.

The textiles set this collection alight, giving the ready-to-wear customer a taste of haute couture. Valli balanced elegant forms with intricate detailing, such as botanical appliqué embroidered across transparent tulle, striking metallic brocade, necklines dotted with handmade silk roses, and crisp crepe bows for a touch of cuteness.

Saying this, I couldn’t help but favour a simplistic look from the line-up. I adored the floral print, long-sleeve dress with cut-out waist panels. Not only does it ooze effortless elegance, but it illustrates how Valli excels at creating powerful silhouettes. I’d sport this graceful number for afternoon tea at Four Seasons Hotel George V.

Victoria Beckham

I admit when it comes to Victoria Beckham, I am biased, as I wear her clothes daily. From the label’s inception, Beckham has perfected the art of designing chic garments that offer unparalleled comfort. And for this reason, I am an avid fan.

For Spring-Summer 25, Beckham presented a dynamic collection that is her most daring to date. Inspired by the intimate daily rituals of dressing and undressing, the show was a clever play on both revealing and concealing the skin. Each outfit teased and amplified the sensuality of the body’s movement.

Models glided down candlelit steps in a breathtaking array of asymmetric satin tea dresses, translucent jersey evening-wear, relaxed tailoring, and sculptural trench coats. A red floral-printed, draped bustier dress caught my eye. The moulded drapery across the torso gave a near naked illusion, reminiscent of a classical marble sculpture. As the skirt billowed in the breeze, it exposed a seductive thigh split. I love this sexy look, as it is a new and unexpected silhouette from the designer. This showstopper has balmy summer nights in Saint-Tropez written all over it!

Chanel

Having directed Chanel magazine covers in the past, I’ve immersed myself in the brand’s heritage and find the house codes fascinating. Presented at the newly renovated Grand Palais, the latest show referenced the birdcage emblem, which is integral to Chanel’s DNA. The collection conveyed the notion of flight, and paid homage to pioneering female figures who are free spirits. Riley Keough swung inside a giant white birdcage whilst serenading guests, seated below, with a rendition of When Doves Cry by Prince.

Models wore baby blue chiffon capes, slit skirts, embroidered transparent shirt dresses, and tweed twin sets in shades of pastel pink, daisy yellow, and pumpkin orange. But it was a graceful, tone-on-tone outfit that grabbed my attention. The silver and ivory sequins vest, complemented by a floaty chiffon blouse, captivated me. The long black bow around the collar is so glamorous. While the slouchy trousers with beaded tassel hem provided a sense of casual sophistication. This dreamy outfit would be a fantastic choice for an exhibition opening at Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

About The Author

Kristine Kilty is a Creative Fashion Director who has worked with the biggest brands in the world. Over the last two decades, she has carved out a successful career which has seen her launch her own agency, The Fierce Group, and work with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Naomie Harris, Nick Jonas, and Liam Gallagher. Kristinekilty.co.uk