Scene setting: Designers are vying to out-do each other on the performance front this Paris Fashion Week. We’ve already seen a Sharon Eyal-choreographed dance performance at Dior, and a theatrical show at Gucci held in the cult Le Palace Theatre, complete with a musical rendition from Jane Birkin. For S/S 2019, Saint Laurent pitched up to its usual Fontaine du Trocadéro runway spot next to the Eiffel Tower. As if an open-air show next to Paris’ most famous landmark wasn’t enough, creative director Anthony Vaccarello looked to the streets of LA for inspiration, with a runway lined with white palm trees and a water-filled catwalk.
Mood board: Paloma Picasso designed jewellery and accessories for Yves Saint Laurent, and for S/S 2019, Anthony Vaccarello was attracted to her personal aesthetic, all mix-and-match turbans, chunky jewellery and colourful combinations. He referenced ‘dynamic individuality’ in his show notes, and models strode across the catwalk, appearing to walk on water, in eclectic ensembles, which also evoked Saint Laurent’s high-octane glamour and sexuality. There were embellished tuxedo jackets teamed with gold hot pants, shimmering capes and skinny jeans, transparent kaftans and twinkling micro-mini-dresses, all paired with LA-centric style signatures, like stupendously high platform heels, headbands and wide-brimmed hats.
Best in show: For the finale of the show, models strutted the catwalk in Saint Laurent’s ostentatious take on resort wear. Think sexy cut-out swimsuits accessorised with lashings of crystal costume jewellery, leopard print kaftans and sequinned leotards, all paired with a spiky stiletto. Maddeningly eye-catching whether you’re at the Ritz in Paris or the Chateau Marmont in LA. §
