If day 4 of Paris Fashion Week had one recurring theme, it was the focus around how the pandemic has altered the way we think about fashion. From transforming dresses in Y/Projects ss21 collection, to metallic dungarees and studded leather pants in Isabel Marant’s disco-infused collection, we were reminded of the past and future and how the pandemic has changed and evolved the face of fashion.
Chloe SS21 took us on a walk through reality
Chloe SS21 images via Filippo Fior, Vogue Runway
Presented outside the Palais de Tokyo, the Chloe spring/summer SS21 show, titled “A Season In Hope”, effortlessly reminded us of what everyday life used to look and feel like. Creative Director Ramsay Levi was in search of normality. Leaving models to ponder around the streets of Paris, walking along the Seine, and smoking a Cigarette, the fronting theme of optimism perfectly embodied the Parisian inspired coverage of the show; to walk and watch. As the models were broadcasted on screens outside the Palais de Tokyo, the unique collection personified a moment where our worries were free and where women can embrace their power and strength. Married by the French feeling of chic street style moments and nonchalantly strolling the lanes of Paris, the show was a blissful and carefree presentation of the SS21 collection.
Chloe SS21 Collection video via Fashion Feed
Influenced by watercolor, multi-layered tones took centre stage. Pleated ‘arsenic’ dresses, camisoles, delicate lacework, prints, and knits; the incorporation of mixed media pieces added depth and dimension to the clothes. Juxtaposing pieces such as silk wools paired with ruffled shoulders added a playfulness to the pieces, not to mention the accessories. Sculptured and structured bags and jewellery contrasted the freedom seen throughout the clothes and added a sense of rigidity to the collection.
Y/Project defined ‘Day to Night’
Y/Project SS21 Collection
Y/PROJECT SS21 MAIN / HOW TO WEAR
2020 has been about reinvention and adaption to new ways of life. A statement that can be perfectly compared to Glenn Martens Y/Project Spring/summer 2021 collection. Where floral dress can be un-fastened and transformed into a ruched top and pencil skirt, or an office pinstripe shirt dress re-worked into a backless, ruffled mini dress. Alteration and change really are the key motifs through this collection, giving us inspiration and food for thought in the way we think about fashion. Going from day to night looks in a matter of minutes, their SS21 collection proves to us that fashion is ours to own. And that there is no excuse for missing post-work drinks.
Y/Project SS21 Collection
Rick Owens showcased the influence of the pandemic
Rick Owens SS21 Collection
If you asked what the face of fashion would look like in October 2020, one look at Rick Owens SS21 collection and all your questions would be answered. Presented in the Piazza outside the Lido Casino his collection is a true reflection of how the pandemic has influenced French fashion. Asymmetrical suits, power shoulders, platform knee-high heels, all finished off with standout face masks, the collection is equally as dark as it is enlightening. A real testament to how the pandemic has shaped and strengthened our minds to adapt. As Owens said in an interview with Vogue “In the face of adversity, we have to pull ourselves up”.
Rick Owens SS21 Full show via FF Channel
Rick Owens SS21 Collection
Isabel Marant took us back to the dancefloor
Isabel Marant SS21
Extravagant ruffles, miniskirts, off the shoulder tops and stud adorned leather jumpsuits, Isabel Marant reminded us of a world we so dearly miss since the coronavirus pandemic. Models walked the SS21 runway on Thursday night striving in metallic hot-pants, oversized jewellery, and killer heels. The list could go on. Reminding us of the good times, Isabel’s SS21 collection injected a dose of optimism and hope to the return of pre-COVID life.
Isabel Marant SS21
Words by Clare Stephenson
Graphic by Clare Stephenson
