Paris Fashion Week seems to be in two minds when it comes to the fall collections, with half of the shows going for dark futuristic end-of-days looks and the other half serving up offbeat reinterpretations of femininity. While the Coronavirus outbreak is casting its shadow over the event, prompting the French government to ask people to forgo the customary cheek kiss greeting, some are choosing to focus on celebration. Here are some of the contrasting runways that dominated the week:
Eternal Rain at Balenciaga
Courtesy of Balenciaga
Creative director Demna Gvasalia showed his serious new collection in a film studio outside of Paris, flooding the runway to create a post-apocalyptic world. But according to the Georgian designer, football and motocross will still be relevant after the world ends.
Throwing shapes at Comme des Garçons
Courtesy of Comme des Garçons
Meanwhile at Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo was having none of the doom and gloom. She presented voluminous silhouettes with over-the-top veils and headpieces, fitting of a surrealist tea party.
Debbie Harry at Junya Watanabe
Courtesy of Junya Watanabe
Wild platinum blonde hair, red lips, heavy eyeliner and leather were the main currents running through Junya Wantanabe’s AW20 show. While the Blondie front woman did not make an appearance herself, her energy was definitely felt on the Parisian runway.
Ladies who lunch at Maison Margiela
Courtesy of Maison Margiela
John Galliano’s AW20 Margiela collection was equal parts ladylike and deconstructed, conjuring images of high society, while offering textured reimagining of classic silhouettes. Of course the show featured Mary Jane Tabis to complete the look.
Severely Yours at Saint Laurent
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
Skin-tight latex was the mood at Saint Laurent, with fetish-inspired pieces like under bust corsets and ankle-length black trench coats.
Season of the witch at Vivienne Westwood
Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood
Between the sculptural taffeta, layers of patterns and practical boots, Vivienne Westwood’s AW20 runway was giving off big witch energy. For accessories, the British designer added garlic clove necklaces and feathered turbans.