The Best of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2017

Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s first female creative director, received a standing ovation after her debut collection, which included this statement-making t-shirt.

There are many things that the fashion flock has come to love in the two lines lead by Demna Gvasalia – oversized shirting, strong shoulders, the trench, and all over floral prints. At Balenciaga, the updated shirting options (this time with a fitted, nipped waist) are sure to win over a new legions of fans, while the spandex bottoms, seen in many looks this season, are for the Demna-diehards.

A rising star among the young new talents at Paris Fashion Week, Simon Porte Jacquemus showed numerous pieces that his fan base loves, but also experimented with new shirting ideas inspired by his childhood in the south of France.

Power suiting, in all of its different variations, took the stage at Givenchy as show-goers wrapped themselves in silver mylar blankets to keep warm in the brisk night air. Most of these looks were in black, yet a favorite was a great suit cut in brown, topped with an oversized agate gemstone necklace.

Virgil Abloh is tuned into what modern women want to wear. Case in point: this sporty, cool take on traditional office attire.

Women everywhere will now be styling their structured pants over their wispy, silky wide legs. It was a genius styling trick that felt new and fun – and made this oversized suit catch the eye of many.

The designer delivered exactly what his fans want–beautiful florals, sheer lace–in addition to edgy separates and dresses with oversized shoulders and sleeves, which felt new and on-trend.

This slouchy suit, with it’s elegant, easy silhouette, was a welcome surprise at Chloe, a brand known more today for flowing dresses than trousers.

Pierpaolo Piccioli’s solo debut at Valentino, after the departure of his partner Maria Grazia Chiuri to Dior, included all the romantic hits you expect from the fashion house, but with more options for day, like this decadent pink jacquard jacket styled over a silky pink pant.

Bouchra Jarrar made her debut at the helm of Lanvin, where she balanced tailored pieces – blazers, leather jackets – with soft, sheer chiffon. Those waiting to see the jewel ones Alber Elbaz was known for may have been disappointed, but the clean palette of black, white, and blue were a great, fresh start for the storied house.

Paris’s female designers are displaying their messages loud and proud. Stella McCartney’s Spring 2017 collection declared “Thanks Girls! No Fur, No Leather” on sporty separates. The designer also debuted eco-friendly ultra-suede.

This season, Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton was inspired by the Shetland Islands, which lead her to create wearable, daytime-appropriate pieces–like a cozy, patchwork knit sweater dress, or a plaid skirt layered over a matching paint–in addition to the breathtaking gowns and cocktail dresses that the house is known for.

After a few years off from fashion, Olivier Theyskens finally returned this season with a well-edited, romantic collection featuring many signatures fans of his work at Theory, Rochas, and Nina Ricci will appreciate. are sure to appreciate.

Sacai designer Chitose Abe deconstructed traditional garments to create new and interesting updates on outerwear, skirts, and prints that felt both luxe and special.

Rei Kawakubo’s newest collection included a limited set of pieces in outsized proportions that illustrate the ongoing struggles women have in society today.

Karl Lagerfeld presented a runway collection inspired by tech and the world wide web. Two models opened the show wearing space-age helmets, and walked around a set reminiscent of a computer’s mother board.

Nicholas Ghesquière presented his Spring 2017 collection for Louis Vuitton at the brand’s future Paris flagship. He was thinking about more dressed-up clothing for this season, and many pieces had a bit off shimmer and shine. A favorite was a bold blue head-to-toe lace look. It was a modern, cool new way to wear lace.

Miuccia Prada sent out a playful, retro beach collection at the Miu Miu Spring 2017 show. The ’60s- and ’70s-inspired prints were bold and fun, and special touches, like great coats and festive footwear, made it a delightful end to Paris Fashion Week.