Paris Fashion Week | Hermès S/S 2010

Not innovative in the least bit, we still cant help but to adore Hermès' spring 2010 collection for being just what it is, a Hermes collection. With an amazing color palette that just about sticks to gray and brown, Hermès designer Veronique Nichanian created a collection that isn't really varied but can go from casual vacations to the office. That is something everyone can appreciate in DC. Consisting of scarves and subtle prints, light open-weave knits, slouchy tanks and tees, and relaxed footwear, the collection is intellegent and a genleman's range. Topped off with the brands signature belt - they remain true by luxury and longevity. And that is what we expect from Hermes, right?

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Paris Fashion Week | John Galliano S/S 2010

Napoleon Bonaparte of France was the chosen muse for John Galliano's spring 2010 collection, and rightfully so. Interpreting the Oriental motif in a modern way, Galliano showed harem shorts and head wraps that are an obvious take on Napoleon and his campaigns in Egyptian desert. Unlike the desert, the color base for the collection experiments with actual color as oppossed to neutrals with yellows, oranges, and reds. Outerwear plays an important factor in the collection with militaristic jackets remaining simple yet bold with toned embellishing. Silhouettes are held together in form with accessories such as belts and sashes that remain true to the mood. I like what I see and with such strong inspiration, the collection is reserved in just the right amount, bold in every way, and still wearable. Thats a fleet not easily done.

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Paris Fashion Week | Raf Simons S/S 2010

With a minimalistic design aesthetic, Raf Simons springs out their spring 2010 collection in a simple, yet innovative way. Starting out with the traditional and simple suit, the collection gradually changes towards a challenging jacket silhouette unlike one seen before. And while the collection remains colorless, it gravitates towards a secondary color base with cut off shoulders that are as severe as they are unusual. The jackets are without a doubt the focal point of the collection however, the shirts and tops are not to go without credit. Ordinary and simple, the tops are based with a primary color that only accompanies the rest of the range. Intruiging enough, the collection follows the trend of belting jackets, only adding a silhouette that would otherwise go bare. Simple yet innovative...that how I describe it.

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Paris Fashion Week | Comme des Garcon

Like previous seasons before, Comme des Garcons sent a collection full of color down the runway with power. Pulling from a relaxed interpretation on the men's suit, the range features shorter proportionate suits that we have seen before. Silhouettes that shy away from any direct form, the collection is baggy in a fitted way. Lots of creative and colorful patchwork are present in a variety of ways, much to our amusement and delight. Their signature pleated skirts made an appearance this time around. Remaining true to typical Comme des Garcons, the collection is sadly familiar, and though we would like something new, its not a bad thing.

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Paris Fashion Week | Givenchy S/S 2010

Riccardo Tisci has given all of his heart into the latest spring collection for Givenchy, and to put it plainly, its a love hate relationship. With a growth of color, the collection began plain with lack of color and gravitated towards plaids, patterns, and busy work. Suits and a sophistication started out what became an urban inspired collection, with Michael Jackson in mind. Tapered and baggy pants balanced out simple tops. Loud prints with bold colors are a bit too much but add a bit of fun to an otherwise simple collection. Embellishment is done right with just enough and give pieces the right amount of boldness to make us smile. The collection falls short in some areas, while does amazing in others, coming off sophisticated yet hip. Pick and choose.

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Video | Thomas Engel Hart Spring 2010

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Shoe Report | Louis Vuitton & Dries Van Noten from Paris

With color and texture, Paul Helbers brings the lace-up(above) to a new level and interpretation. Some practical, some not so practical. Can you imagine someone coming into work with those sequin lace-ups? Not really. I would, however.

Then there is Dries Van Noten, who mixed to great classics into one. Chelsea boot-style elastic panels were given a new twist with added cap-toes. And they give leather lace-ups ethnic prints and woven embellishment for great detailing. Sophistication at its best.

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