Dries Van Noten’s show is always a masterclass in styling – and his latest collection was no exception. Just look at this glorious ensemble of lapel-less jacket (that’s a micro trend) in a wondrous blue, worn with a simple belt, looped and left hanging like a piece of jewellery. Then there’s the skirt, a clever mash of three fabrics – there was a lot of texture blocking in this show – which sits just around the knee, making it part of the new longer-length trend. Extra marks for the sneaky peek of socks and the lovely, loose hair. Photograph: Reuters
Stella McCartney unveils her latest collection for women today in Paris. Meanwhile, her first full collection of kids fashion has gone live online and includes this floral coat with detachable hood, which packs away into a bag. There are also shrunken versions of Stella denim, alongside jolly animal and bird prints. McCartney says: “The idea was to make clothes kids will enjoy . . . to allow girls to be girly and pretty, but still have fun and mix in some tomboy unisex pieces.” Job well done. Coat, £78, stellamccartneykids.com Photograph: PR
Balenciaga is still one of Paris fashion week’s coolest labels. The autumn/winter 2011 show, unveiled last week, was another exercise in sculptural futurism and clothes that aren’t necessarily that easy to wear, but are fantastic regardless. If you need a slice of the label now, then these rust shoes are pretty special. The suede front covers the foot but allows a peep of toe. Plus, they’re ideal for making a plain dress very “fashion” or giving crop trousers an elegant full stop.
£465, brownsfashion.com Photograph: PR
APC is one of those labels you can just rely on for simple, understated clothes with just the right soupçon of Frenchness. They’re quite the biz at Bretons and do a fine line in denim and knitwear, while their shoes, from moccasins to marvellous wedges, are always très popular. This week, they open the doors to a new store on east London’s increasingly buzzy Redchurch Street. Celebrate said news with a splash of gold horse medallion.
€50, apc.fr Photograph: PR
Forget big earrings or a bright-orange lip, Paris has been a smorgasbord of extreme eye decor. Lady Gaga and the models of Mugler sported makeup that flicked from two corners of each eye. Gareth Pugh had metallic or bright blue cut-out shapes surrounding his model’s eyes, while some of Balenciaga’s girls sported electric blue monobrows. If you’re in the market for a designer eyebag cover, go Pugh; if you can’t be bothered to pluck, channel Balenciaga. Simple. Photograph: Catwalking.com
