Paris Modes' Marie-Christiane Marek: "Art is present throughout the S/S14 collections"
Following the end of Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday, October 2, Relaxnews met with veteran French fashion journalist Marie-Christiane Marek for a recap. The founder of Paris Modes TV offered her perspective on the styles trending for next season and on the latest designer news, including talk of Nicolas Ghesquière's possible appointment as creative director at Louis Vuitton.
Relaxnews: What are the most notable themes seen on the Spring/Summer 2014 runways?
Marie-Christiane Marek: There are strong inspirations from the world of dance, but also from art, which is present throughout the collections. The labels also presented a number of variations on iconic classics, such as the black leather biker jacket.
R: What are the essential pieces for next summer?
MCM: Minis, either in the form of skirts or dresses, especially from Giambattista Valli and Saint Laurent, and little cardigans, brought back by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
R: Will flashy colors and detailing once again be in the mix?
MCM: Certainly, as seen in Lanvin's lamé pieces in showy colors, Dior's brocades, Jean Paul Gaultier's "Dance" collection, and even in Cédric Charlier's pieces. A matte glitter finish is found on a few Saint Laurent ensembles, renewed by Hedi Slimane.
Flashy colors are also present in the makeup, iridescent glitter adorned the models' eyelids for Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel, while gold-leafed eyebrows were seen on the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac runway.
R: What accessories caught your eye during Fashion Week?
MCM: The first bag by young designer Maxime Simoens, backed by LVMH -- a new Paris bag, inspired by the Eiffel Tower. There are also the little pointy heels worn with short socks in Hedi Slimane's collection for Saint Laurent. Drawing on the same source of inspiration, pumps and little socks were worn throughout the Chanel runway show. Pointy-toed stilettos were also seen in the Dior collection, but with very high heels there.
R: What were the most original runway shows?
MCM: Rick Owens' staging of tribal dancing, and Jean Paul Gaultier's "Dancing With the Stars" theme. And, like every season, the decor created by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. For this edition, the designer had 90 works of art made for a limited-time exhibit at the Grand Palais, lasting only during the presentation of the Spring/Summer 2014 collection.
R: Which collections were the best executed overall?
MCM: Those of Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Maison Martin Margiela.
R: Is there a particular designer who will be making headlines in 2014?
MCM: Most likely Nicolas Ghesquière, whose appointment at Louis Vuitton looks set to be announced any day now.
