Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Best of Paris Fashion Week

Chloé FW11

by Grace Gordon

Scrolling fast through the Chloé collection offers the viewer a flipbook of varying python prints in many styles, shades, and cuts. Yet, when the eye isn’t moving over a landscape devoted obsessively to python, it’s noticing the rigorously contained sophistication of a collection steeped in smart attitude. The Chloé girl is not afraid of obsession – in fact, she revels in it.

The myriad ways python is presented isn’t a distraction. In fact, when paired liberally with lacy doily button-ups and paneled leather blouses, it adds some sizzle to the ensembles. Python also looks glamorous when done in acid yellow and washed-out teal silk. When the collection wasn’t fixated on python, it swung into luxury leather territory. The bonded leather coat in a shade of glossy black looked tough enough to stop bullets, while ½ overalls imbued the schoolgirl blouse it was paired with an artsy vibe.

The effect of all the python and leather telegraphed a rugged-meets-feminine vibe to the collection as a whole. This coolly professional, perfectly styled collection incorporates some heady looks, but doesn’t overdo it.