Blogger Hits Paris Men's Fashion Week - Raf Simons

            Confidence having risen after attending the Christian Lacroix show, this blogger attempted to get into the Raf Simons show...and did. 

            With all of the hype surrounding Simons as the new artistic director of Dior, this was definitely a show to see. Located in an industrial space on Rue de Lappe, the show's setting was edgy and gave off a feeling of great importance. The strong white and black interior had seating on two levels. Once it began, each model's trajectory started on the balcony level and then moved down to the main floor where intricate choreography allowed the models to avoid running into each other. 

            If anything, this show demonstrated the genius of Simons when it comes to taking a classic piece and making it new again. With eyelet-detailed jackets, striking prints that you would not expect to see on a man, and a colorful use of shirt facing, this show produced one marvel after another. Overall, it had a grungy yet playful schoolboy vibe that was even present in the models' hairstyles. 

            Based on what I saw here, I believe that Simons will take Dior in a new direction, but definitely live up to its legacy. And because fashion is all about the look, some photographs for your knowledge and entertainment (click to enlarge):

A view of the space as the first model traveled along the balcony. 

The collars on the button-downs and the cut of the suit jackets were two of my favorite aspects of the collection. Also, note the hair here. 

A definitive view of that schoolboy vibe. 

Note the blue facing in certain sections of the shirt. 

An eyelet style jacket. 

A print I would never imagine seeing on a man...but it works here. 

This coat was the piece de resistance of the collection. While not fully evident here, the back involved a floral printed fabric that appeared to be pleated. The contrast of the two sides stuck in my mind well after the show was over.

A shot of the final line-up. Note the use of (more feminine) color. 

(All photographs by Kristen Friberger)

Blogger Hits Paris Men's Fashion Week - Christian Lacroix

            Finally, this blogger has gotten her very first intoxicating taste of going to a fashion show. From the people (including Suzy Menkes, Terry Richardson, Tommy Ton, etc.) to the side streets, from the venues to the style...the atmosphere is intriguing and brilliant.

            The very first show that I went to was the Christian Lacroix menswear show for Spring/Summer 2013. Personally, I'm amazed by the amount of women in heels who survived walking the cobblestone path that led into Hotel de Brossier (located at 12 Rue Charlot). Once inside, I found a standing spot on the stairs right next to the pack of photographers.

            While the house of Lacroix is often thought of as being more in tune with the world of costumes than the world of fashion, I found the show to be both inspired and wearable. Playful prints lit up closet staples such as the t-shirt (cut in a more square and billowing fashion). Classically puffy jackets were made refined in their detailing, including multiple zippered layers. Belts and banding were also used in an innovative fashion as they wrapped around sections of the clothing and torso, but were not a completely outside layer. Many of the jacket and skinny tie pairings were sexy, confident, and slightly reminiscent of Mad Men. Meanwhile, the continuity of the collection resided in the silhouette with variations on a few staple pieces (larger jackets, suiting, and billowy square t-shirts).  

            For your enjoyment, research, and entertainment please enjoy the following photographs (click to enlarge): 

The venue prior to plastic being removed from the catwalk. 

I truly enjoyed the bright colors that were sent down the runway. Clearly my obsession with yellow clothing isn't going away any time soon. Also, both jackets here have great classic potential. 

An example of the prints seen at the show. 

While not every man could pull off the pants on the right, I'd sure like to see some try.

Great interplay between a subtle pattern and an exaggerated puffy silhouette. 

Every man should own an outfit like this. 

Innovative use of banding as previously mentioned. 

A slice of the finally line-up. 

(All Photographs By Kristen Friberger)