Past, Present, Paris

Big in Japan! All the rage on the streets! The next big thing! An ingratiating announcement is always attached to some new trend that seemingly has or calls for everyone to collectively acknowledge it at once. I often feel that a lot of it is hype and not all are always deserved. However, there's one announcement I hear a few times a year that always serves as a prelude to praise. This is due to the uncanny attraction to all things chic and fashionable and a living/breathing and economically-sustaining fashion aesthetic that proves the heralded praise-grabber worthy of the accolades. The Latest from the Paris Runways!

For Fall 2012, Pairsian designers did not disappoint either. The fantasy cuts at Chalayan and Mugler, the otherworldly frill at McQueen and Galliano, the geometric proportions at Chanel and Comme des Garçons and the slices and dices at Balenciaga and Costume National all showcase examples of a city that realizes its stamp on fashion. Many of the shapes, ideas and designers you'll see below will be paired down and 'editorialized'. The first segment focuses on the forward shapes and silhouettes that truly makes Paris "the" fashion-forward city. Then dive into Paris' modern embodiment of couture within ready-to-wear clothing with amazing beadwork from Valentino and Balmain, perfectly tailored new cuts at Ackermann and Watanabe, grandiose jacketry from Rick Owens and Viktor & Rolf and updated classic couturier shapes from Neil Barrett and Kenzo.

Forward Pareé