Top Trends From Paris Fashion Week

March 11, 2013

It’s the 9-day extravaganza that stops the fashion world: Paris Fashion Week. Boasting a slew of some of the best design houses – Chanel, Dior, Celine, Balenciaga – Paris always sets the trends for the coming season. So just what did the A/W13 shows have in store for us?

Plaid

Woodchopper chic is the next new print to try. Plaid has been hanging around in the shadows for a few seasons now but 2013 is its time to shine – we’re seeing it in winter coats, flannel shirts and even a head-to-toe suit, courtesy of Mr Marc Jacobs.

plaid trend Paris Fashion Week 2013

Spotted at: Celine, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent

Leather

It’s never going out of style… And thank goodness. Ladies, it’s time to stock up on your leather staples, it’s sticking around for yet another year. Look for leather pants (yikes!), boxy jackets and even white leather for a new season update.

Vivienne Westwood AW13 Paris Fashion Week

Spotted at: Vivienne Westwood, Vanessa Bruno, Haider Ackermann

Ebony & Ivory

If there were ever two colours made for each other, it’s ebony and ivory. The classic pairing has been worn together since before time began, however this winter it’s all about contrasting them to the max. A LBD with blocks of clean white panels, a graphic two-tone print or something as simple as a white shirt teamed with black trousers will be the looks to try.

Balenciaga AW13 Paris Fashion Week

Spotted at: Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Chloe

Structured bags

We’ve loved slouchy sacks to the death unfortunately, so autumn/winter 2013 is heralding the return of structure. The new It-Bags are sturdy, rigid and perfectly polished. Whether it’s the old-fashioned doctor bag or a slim-cut briefcase, you’ll want one in a bright shade (try blue or purple) to add a pop of colour to your new black and white wardrobe.

Miu Miu AW13 handbags

Spotted at: Miu Miu, Valentino, Hermes

Texture

Outfits that beg to be touched… Sounds pretty good to us. Keep an eye out for oversized embellishments, 3D appliqués, feathers and (faux) fur. And these added extras aren’t just for the evening – rock a sequined blazer and black skinnies to work or tone down a feathered skirt with a white tee and strappy sandals.

Alexander McQueen AW13 Paris Fashion Week

Spotted at: Dries Van Noten, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Chanel

Kimberlee is an Australian writer who gave up the reality to follow her dreams...Originally from Sydney, now living in Paris. Kimberlee spends her days writing, styling and eating croissants.