Fashion weeks give us all a peak into the mind of the world’s most acclaimed fashion professionals and ultimately can shape what we see throughout the years ahead. Paris Fashion Week is thought by many to be one of the most influential on the ‘big four’ fashion weeks, along with London, Milan and New York, and its 2020 edition was no exception. From the ground, we were lucky enough to watch the shows unfold and can now share with you the key lessons learned from the last Paris Fashion Week.
I. Experimental Pieces
One of the most notable trends that came out of Paris Fashion Week was an exploration of experimental pieces. High-profile brands such as Marine Serre, Sacai and Louis Vuitton gave viewers a glimpse at a mix of sci-fi and futuristic pieces. Through their collections, some based on a colour story and some just based on a series of experimental creations, many designers used traditional shapes in new ways, often with a sense of playfulness.
A. Colour Story
One of the most notable trends showcased by various designers was an exploration of a particular colour story. For example, Marine Serre celebrated shades of celestial blue and vibrant oranges, while Sacai had a palette of neutrals and pinks, and Kenzo embraced green. This helped to make the overall presentation of the collection powerful and served to provide continuity throughout the presentation.
B. Experimental Creations
As well as those collections based on a colour story, many of the designers in Paris presented a range of experimental pieces. Louis Vuitton more so than any others embraced this concept, with a unique collection made up of pieces which challenged our pre-conceived notions about what clothing should look like. From street pieces to fully beaded gowns, the collection made for a truly unique show. It also provided a powerful lesson in creativity within the fashion industry.
II. Futurism in Design
In addition to the experimental pieces, another major trend to come out of Paris Fashion Week was a focus on futuristic design. Many of the collections had a sense of sci-fi and futurism, where a range of dream-like pieces were brought to life. This was especially evident in the work of Louis Vuitton and Balmain who, alongside other designers, used a range of materials to create a set of innovative looks.
A. Construction and Technology
When it came to creating their futuristic looks, many of the designers in Paris employed modern construction techniques and technologies. For example, Louis Vuitton blended 3D-printed pieces and exaggerated silhouettes for a very modern effect. Similarly, Balmain used embroidery, futuristic fabric appliqués, and delicate beading to create unique pieces. Through their collections, the designers showcased the advancements in technology that can be found within the fashion industry.
B. Playful Aesthetics
While experimentation was a major theme of the 2020 edition of Paris Fashion Week many of the collections also emphasised playful aesthetics. This was seen in the whimsical and colourful offerings from Moschino and Chanel, where bubble-gum neon pieces were paired with classic silhouettes. Through their collections, both designers illustrated how we can combine traditional and modern styles to create truly unique works of fashion.
III. Sustainable Materials
Paris Fashion Week also provided a platform for many of the fashion industry’s leading eco-friendly materials and ethical practices. At the forefront of this was Stella McCartney who presented a collection made entirely from organic or sustainably sourced fabrics. McCartney, in particular, has long been an advocate of sustainable fashion, designing pieces that are conscious of the sustainability of the natural world. There were many other designers, such as Lemaire and Paco Rabanne, who also focused on eco-friendly materials and showed how fashion can be sustainable and stylish.
A. Upcycled Materials
One of the most popular eco-friendly materials utilised by designers in Paris was upcycling. This was evident in collections from Lemaire, Paco Rabanne and Off-White, where the likes of reworked sportswear and recycled plastic were given a new lease of life. Through their collections, the designers reinforced the importance of sustainability and the potential of upcycled materials.
B. Ethical Practices
As well as using eco-friendly materials, many of the designers at Paris Fashion Week also showcased ethical practices. This was perhaps most evident in the work of Chanel, where the heritage brand rejected animal fur and ‘animal-free’ leather in their collection. Through their show and many others, the message of ethical fashion was clear and emphasised the importance of considering the value of sustainability in the fashion industry.
Overall, the last Paris Fashion Week provided a wealth of lessons in terms of fashion design, technology and sustainability. From the experimental pieces and futurism to the sustainable materials and ethical practices, many of the world’s top designers showcased their take on the fashion industry. Through their collections, they illustrated the way in which experimentation and eco-friendly practices are defining fashion in the 2020s, and these lessons will provide us with an insight into the next decade of fashion.
