Paris Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2012 Favorites part one

Balenciaga - Despite multiple benches breaking before Balenciaga's ss 12 show began forcing many head honchos like Anna and her team standing for the entire show, creative director, Nicolas Ghesquiere presented a very strong collection. Ghesquiere continued with the houses signature shape using wide shaped coats and full sleeves. The Balenciaga women paraded down the runway in a range of pieces from sculpted dresses, tailored trousers, abstract (Picasso looking paintings) printed tops, short shorts (my fav of the collection), and draped tops and skirts. The ss 12 collection compared to it's fw 11 was definitely a change from the coils, fishnets, and strips to metallic panels and abstract prints. Loved the statement bangles. View the full collection here.


Nina Ricci - I absolutely loved what Peter Copping did for the house of Nina Ricci. Pure femininity and elegance with a twist of sexy chicness. The ss 12 collection showcased a variety of colors from white, navy, red, lavender and even florals prints. Silhouettes were taken from the 1960's and from Ricci's archives. After being inspired by Zina de Plagny's textile work, Copping conjured up a presentation filled with ladylike frocks with subtle lingerie undertones with mixtures of crystal applique, leather and lace. View the full collection here.


Isabel Marant - I've been a Marant fan since 2009 when I interned for DIANI, a clothing boutique here in Santa Barbara, California. My first encounter with her infamous jackets and boots instantly got me hooked. Isabel definitely knows how the effortlessly chic Parisian girl wants to dress and she does it flawlessly. Marant's ss 12 collection showcased more of the classic cropped jean in a variety of styles from prints from floral and tie dye to patchwork. The sporty and a bit rock and roll presentation had oversized jersey tees paired with those classic cropped jeans, miniskirts, shorts, and even dresses. I loved the knits, which reminded me of the Iceberg knits. The shoes also complimented the somewhat boyish charm of the collection. Loved it all. View the full collection here.


Lanvin - I'll probably be biased forever, but I feel like I'll always love Lanvin, well at least when Alber is behind the French fashion house. The genius that is, Alber Elbaz once again provided a distinguishably sexy and effortlessly chic collection for the ss 12 collection for Lanvin with sharp lines, cuts, and airy fabrics. While staying true to Lanvin's effortlessly feminine, yet powerful aesthetic, the collection started dark, but got a bit softer as the show continued. The models paraded down the runway in statement accessories and snake prints. Ugh, I couldn't get enough. Those chockers?! Ferosh. View the full collection here.