Exclusive / Style Takes Paris PART III: Advocate and Provocateur
It takes more than a slogan T-shirt to make a statement on the runways of Paris. Be it theatrical staging or inspirations for the collections, the veterans of fashion houses know how to get the whole world talking.
Chanel
Just when you think there could hardly be anything more OTT than the Chanel supermarket, Karl Lagerfeld managed to outstage himself again. This season’s set was Boulevard Chanel which recreated the Parisian street scene inside the Grand Palais. What the Chanel girls took to the street was not only a variety of tweed suits, appliqué dresses and summer knits but also feminist issues. Gisele Bündchen and Cara Delevingne were spotted among a bevy of models holding placards and speaker phones to promote awareness of women’s rights.
We’ll be seriously bummed if the Chanel 2.55 loud speaker doesn’t go into production.
Vivienne Westwood
Having been a long-time advocate of postmodern fashion and social political opinions, Dame Vivienne Westwood devotes her show to the theme of climate change. Westwood’s passion for the environment is loud and clear in her fashion collection.
It’s a basketful of surprises in the headpiece. The lace-encrusted minis and capelet captures signature Westwood style.
Political messages are evident throughout the collection. It’s no wonder Westwood said in earlier interviews that climate change is her priority.
Stella McCartney
Animal rights activist and vegan Stella McCartney is probably one of the few designers who can elevate eco-fashion into covetable wardrobe staples. The SS15 collection ticks all the key trends from denims to summer sweaters to sporty silhouettes and ultimately effortless femininity.
We love the flowing silhouette in pastels.