You could be forgiven for thinking it’s Couture Week, after seeing the delightfully over-the-top, painstakingly-detailed collection presented by Thom Browne in Paris. Mille feuille chiffon mermaid hems and nautical motifs made for a whimsical spin on Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Spring ‘18 marked the first time Browne showed in the French capital and he seemed an appropriate addition. While many fans stateside know the designer for his shrunken, Mad Men-esque grey flannel suiting, schoolboy personal uniform, or signature red, white, and blue grosgrain ribbon, the talented hands in Browne’s NYC atelier turn out some of the most technically-challenging garments around.
Also making the trip across the Atlantic (and following the lead set by fellow American labels Rodarte and Proenza Schouler last season) was Joseph Altuzarra, doing what he does best and sending out a sophisticated yet sexy parade of dresses with sheer net detailing and thigh-grazing slits.
But lest we forget where we are, Chanel once again wowed with the most over-the-top spectacle of the season. The countless hours spent by the house’s expert mains could be rivaled only by the beaucoup dollars spent constructing falling waterfalls in the Grand Palais. The ‘60s-chic, clear plastic detailed rain hats and over-the-knee boots may have repelled the spray of water, but we’re not sure you’d actually want to sport them in a downpour. Bon Voyage!
