Saint Laurent Makes A Splash In Paris
As if debuting each ready-to-wear collection under the twinkling lights of Paris' glorious Tour Eiffel wasn't enough, Saint Laurent can always be relied upon to trump each show with a new and more staggering version as the seasons progress.
For September's SS19 catwalk, the Eiffel Tower vista was improved upon by the acquisition of towering white replica palm trees, with a slender, long infinity pool extending from the structure's base, upon which the models walked, kicking up big splashes in their wake.
Beautiful people quite literally walking on water? Certainly a crowd pleaser.
This season's RTW collection included Western-inspired (albeit skin tight) tuxedos, velvet blazers, ruffled shirts, pussy-bow blouses and plenty of mini-dresses. One thing's for sure: hemlines were short, short and even shorter than that.
The label's creative director, Anthony Vaccarello was inspired 'by the way Paloma Picasso inspired Saint Laurent in the 70s. The way she took the clothes from the 40s and made them her own,' he explained backstage afterwards.
Now into his fifth women’s ready-to-wear season for the brand, the 36-year-old Italian's vision is uncompromising: tinsy winsy leather hot pants, wide-shouldered sparkly mini dresses, cigarette skinny suiting, high cuts and V-plunge sequin swimwear.
Even without supermodel Kate Moss sitting front row, the collection exuded a certain rock star quality. The Saint Laurent models floated down the catwalk in lofty metallic platforms, while sporting diaphanous kaftans, headbands and triangular sunglasses.
We also spotted, yet again, what's turning out to be one of this season's biggest trends: snake print.
The vamp appeal was ramped up to full wattage. Or as Cat Callender, ELLE UK's fashion director, puts it: 'it was Almost Famous meets West World with a light smattering of Vintage YSL references.'
The collection also featured a more playful side. Whether it was outfits covered in brightly-coloured stars, see-through tops or glittery romper suits, there was a very '80s-esque Helmut Newton vibe about the whole thing.
We also just got a whole lot more Christmas outfit inspo.
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