Paris Fashion Week S/S 2011: Womenswear Collections

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

Leopard print is a fashion favorite but most designers pluck it from a sugary sweet jungle and pair it with an ultra feminine silhouette and a pair of kitten heels. At Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci has made this spotted animal skin (printed versions, of course) hard-edged and architecturally right on the lapel of a biker vest, or sleeveless coat blocked in black and white. Tisci’s talent with cutting means that his collections will always be high on the tailoring quotient and this season was no different with an abundance of razor sharp sleeveless jackets, coats and bootcut funnel pants. But the designer’s big news was his contribution to the layering story that has gained snowball-like traction this season. A perfect example of the multiple stratums saw boot cut black pants under black zippered minis skirt while a leopard print sheer full length skirt was worn over shorts but under a zippered mini dress and sleeveless jacket. And that was, remarkably, all on the same outfit.

When panty hose just feels too confining, Wallpaper* will try: Givenchy’s sheer pants that looked like black hosiery.