Mar 31, 2014 01:40
by Missy

Trying to make a shortlist of what we thought were the best shows from Paris Fashion Week was much like trying to choose a favourite child: painstakingly slow, beyond cruel and downright impossible. But we managed to do it. Somehow. And boy, was it hard.

Before we start umming and ahhing over our shortlist again, here’s our edit of the top 5 prêt-à-porter collections from Paris Fashion Week. Are you surprised or do you agree?

Chloé
At PFW, designer Clare Waight Keller sent 40 chic ensembles down the runway, all of which captured the quintessential Chloé look: fresh and romantic, with a hint of sexiness and a modern edge. Sure, it doesn’t sound especially cutting-edge, but no other label does ‘everyday, effortlessly chic’ quite like Chloé, which has been synonymous with the Parisian fashion house since it launched in 1952. Expect to see lots of Chloé-esque wares popping up in high-street stores soon. Yes, we think the collection will be that influential.

Christian Dior
Raf Simons’ latest collection for famed fashion house Dior is a masterful marriage of sports luxe, modern ladylike and masculine styling. It sounds…well, interesting…but it surprisingly works. But that’s not the only reason why his new range is a standout this season; as well as playing with different styles, Raf has also mixed things up by blending bright, jolting colourways (like blue and green, pink and red), which is a welcomed change among the catwalks awash with blacks, grey, navy and other moody winter tones.

Louis Vuitton
The fashion world was in shock when Marc Jacobs stepped down as Creative Director from Louis Vuitton last year. However, all was well once it was announced that French designer Nicolas Ghesquière would step into the iconic designer’s shoes (and what big shoes to fill, at that!) at the famed fashion house. Nicolas’ inaugural collection has certainly lived up to expectations; staying true to his signature design style, it’s sleek and modern, with a youthful edge, and is sure to be popular with LV loyalists as well as new-found lovers of the label.

Kenzo
Oh, Kenzo, could you be any cooler? One of the cool kids on the block, this trendsetting fashion house (overseen by designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon) is never one to follow the rest of the pack – it saunters along at its own beat and pace, which is why the label is a favourite with fashion fans and rebels, alike. Its latest futuristic-esque collection is obnoxiously loud and proud of it. Bold clashing prints, OTT layering, pops of neon brights and oversized, sculptural silhouettes are at the heart of the line, which is sure to provide plenty of fashion inspo (and chain store knock-offs) this season.

Elie Saab
There’s a reason why Elie Saab is one of the go-to designers when a celeb is in need of eveningwear for a red carpet event: his gowns are dramatic, gasp-worthy beautiful and flatter the female figure just so. His latest ready-to-wear collection – featuring an array of romantically dark yet sultry floor-sweeping dresses, sharp suits, luxe coats, and ladylike frocks in opulent tones – proves that he’s a master at designing for not only A-listers, but the everyday woman too. His line features pretty much all of the trends that will be major this season, including (faux) fur, velvet, sheer detailing, pointed ankle boots, high-waisted belts, dusty pink and rich burgundy.