Scene setting: The heart motif is a signature symbol of the Sonia Rykiel brand, and for its A/W 2017 show, held at the grand École des Beaux-Arts, creative director Julie de Libran erected a giant foil heart at the head of the runway. The motif also emphasised the influence of the late French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, once photographed wearing a silk dress adorned with romantic hearts, and whose colourful mosaic designs featured silvery reflective fragments.
Mood board: Colourful patchwork plaids and hand-finished Aran knits reflected Saint Phalle’s prismatic aesthetic, while silk dresses, trousers and high-necked blouses were printed with graphic designs resembling mosaics. High-shine coats evoked the artist’s use of plastics, presented alongside more military focused double-breasted coats in khaki and cream. A series of bohemian looks in the finale featured v-neck dresses embellished with bright feathers, and long padded gilets, both essential pieces for a sophisticated French girl in festival mode.
Best in show: A double-breasted striped jacket with shining gold buttons was cinched at the waist before flaring architecturally over the body, while a khaki utilitarian jacket featured Saint Phalle-inspired panels of plaid and denim.
Sonia Rykiel A/W 2017.
Sonia Rykiel A/W 2017.
Sonia Rykiel A/W 2017.
Sonia Rykiel A/W 2017.
-
The new Tudor Ranger watches master perfectly executed simplicityThe Tudor Ranger watches look back to the 1960s for a clean and legible design
-
This late-night hangout brings back 1970s glam to LA’s Sunset BoulevardGalerie On Sunset is primed for strong drinks, shared plates, live music, and long nights
-
How Memphis developed from an informal gathering of restless creatives into one of design's most influential movementsEverything you want to know about Memphis Design, from its history to its leading figures to the pieces to know (and buy)
-
Haute Couture Week A/W 2025: what to expectFive moments to look out for at Haute Couture Week A/W 2025 in Paris (starting Monday 7 July), from Glenn Martens’ debut for Maison Margiela to Demna’s Balenciaga swansong. Plus, ‘new beginnings’ from JW Anderson
-
Donna Trope celebrates the power of the Polaroid in Paris‘Polaroids used to be my rejects, and now they are my holy grail,’ says the beauty photographer, as she shows rarely seen images in a Paris exhibition
-
Palace unites with Rapha to celebrate inaugural Tour de France FemmesMarking the first time women will compete in the historic cycling race since the late 1980s, this new collaboration sees Palace Skateboards and Rapha create uniforms for both on and off the bike – including an ‘outlandish’ pair of Crocs
-
Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022: Chanel to Miu MiuIn this extended report, Wallpaper* updates you live from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022 shows, with rolling coverage as runway events unfold
-
Scene-stealing runway sets from S/S 2022 womenswear showsFrom giant roulette wheels to Olympic diving boards and multi-city synchronized extravaganzas – our pick of the best fashion show sets from S/S 2022 womenswear
-
Louis Vuitton A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Chanel A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s -
Y/Project A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's
