Overall, after viewing the fashion shows that took place during Paris Fashion Week, I felt as if I hadn’t enjoyed them as much as I had with those seen in Milan. Originally, I had expected to have some of Paris’s shows as my favorites. However, during this particular season, I feel as if Milan produced more memorable garments. However, there were a few collections and looks that were noteworthy.
To begin, I enjoyed Alessandra Rich’s collection. The collection features a variety of hemline lengths, and sleeve treatments (“Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Alessandra Rich- Collection”). For example, for those more daring, there were garments with leg- o’-mutten sleeves (Tortora and Keiser 366; See Alessandra Rich Look 7). For those who desire a simpler sleeve treatment, there were various cold-shoulder dresses (McKelle 1; See Alessandra Rich Look 8). Many of the looks give off a modern Victorian vibe (“Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Alessandra Rich- Collection;” Tortora and Marcketti 329, 332-342). The looks had historical references, such as the leg-o’- mutton sleeves, but they were done with a modern twist (“Spring 2017 Ready-to- Wear Alessandra Rich- Collection;” Tortora and Keiser 366; Tortora and Marcketti 329, 332-342). The looks were sheerer, and the skirts were slimmer, than one would expect to see during the Victorian era (Tortora and Marcketti 329, 332-342).
Additionally, I enjoyed the 25th outfit, as seen on Vogue.com from the Emanuel Ungaro collection (“Spring 2017 Ready- to-Wear Emanuel Ungaro-Collection;” See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25). I find the mix of prints very eye catching (See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25) However, the consistent use of black and white, in each pattern, helps keep the ensemble balanced (See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25). If someone is trying to venture out of her safe ward- robe, this look is a great way to do so (See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25). The print on top is larger than the one on the bottom (See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25). It seems as if this smaller pattern, on the bottom, would be helpful for someone who has more curvaceous hips (See Emanuel Ungaro Look 25).
Continuing onward, one highlight from Chloé’s fashion show was the dress seen in the 9th ensemble (“Spring 2017 Ready-to- Wear Chloé Collection;” See Chloé Look 9). The dress is not too complex, but it is extremely effective (See Chloé Look 9). The color palette is aesthetically pleasing (See Chloé Look 9). The darker colors in the upper portion of the garment gives it a slimming effect, in the areas that often need it most (See Chloé Look 9). The lighter blue and white, towards the bottom, help to brighten up the look (See Chloé Look 9). The black and white striped cord straps, provides some balance for the lighter colored hem (See Chloé Look 9).
Finally, Christian Dior was the collection that for me failed to meet my anticipations (“Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Christian Dior- Collection”). The collection was not a bad one. However, I found myself not feeling as if I gravitated to any of the ensembles (“Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Christian Dior- Collection”). As with Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first season at Dior, the show was well done (Mower 1). I believe that Chiuri’s future collections for Dior will be even better, as she adjusts to designing for a different brand (Mower 1)
To Conclude, I would not say that Paris has lost its spot in the fashion hierarchy. However, I do feel that Milan had a particularly well executed season. It will be interesting to see what direction the following season will take.
Works Cited and Image Citations:
Alessandra Rich Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Collection Looks 1-47), 2017, Vogue.com, https:// www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017- ready-to-wear/alessandra-rich#gallery-collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Alessandra Rich Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Look 7), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue. com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/ alessandra-rich#gallery-collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Alessandra Rich Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Look 8), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue. com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/ alessandra-rich#gallery-collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Vlamos, Yannis, Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Collection Looks 1- 45), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue.com/fash- ion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/emanu- el- ungaro#gallery-collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Vlamos, Yannis, Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Look 25), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring- 2017-ready-to-wear/emanuel-ungaro#gallery- col- lection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Fratini, Umberto. Chloé Spring 2017 Ready-to- wear (Collection Looks 1-44), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017- ready-to-wear/chloe#gallery-collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Fratini, Umberto. Chloé Spring 2017 Ready-to-wear (Look 9), 2017, Vogue.com, https://www.vogue. com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/ chloe/slideshow/collection#9, Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
Vlamos, Yannis. Christian Dior Spring 2017 Ready- to-Wear (Looks 1-64), 2017, Vogue.com, http://www. vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to- wear/christian- dior/slideshow/collection, Accessed 30 Sept. 2017.
Mower, Sarah, “Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Christian Dior,” Vogue, Condé Nast, 30 Sept. 2016, http:// www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready- to-wear/christian-dior. Accessed 30 Sept. 2016.
McKelle Fischer, Erin. “All the 2016 Trends You Didn’t Realize Were from Another Decade Because Fashion is Cyclical.” Bustle, 17 Feb. 2016, http://www. bustle.com/articles/137484-all- the-2016-trends-you- didnt-realize-were-from-another-decade-because- fashion-is-cyclical . Accessed 23 Sept. 2016.
Tortora, Phyllis, and Sandra Keiser. The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Fashion. 4th ed. New York: Bloomsbury, 2014. Print.
Tortora, Phyllis G. and Sara B. Marcketti. Survey of Historic Costume. 6th ed. New York: Bloomsbury, 2015. Print.