13 Talking Points from Paris Fashion Week Thus Far

Including pearl-encrusted boleros. And Gisele on the catwalk.

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by Pandora Sykes |
Published on

It's the last leg of fashion month - and even the die-hard fashionites are relieved. But Paris Fashion Week is anything but lacklustre. As you can see from these key talking points:

1. Alexander Wang made bags a 'thing' at Balenciaga for the first time

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It's New Yorker Alexander Wang's third show since he took over from Nicolas Ghesquiere (aka the man who made you want a Lariat Bag or Lego shoes) - and this time it was all about bags .To make his point, he sent most models down the catwalk wearing three mock croc shoppers each.

**2. Wang also insured that polonecks will still be a thing next season

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There were polonecks ribbed with fur - and these sporty-style numbers that stayed true to Wang's New York heritage. Other knitwear featured too: crew-necks sprinkled with fairy dust crystals, striped laser-cut knits and bolero shrugs worn with beautifully cut narrow trousers and cocoon dresses covered in zips. We want.

3. Oh, and he persuaded Gisele back onto the catwalk

 

The mega-successful Brazilian mum had all but retired from the catwalk - until she closed the show for AW14 Balenciaga, in a satin tuxedo jumpsuit with a pearl and crystal embellished bolero to match. She obviously had a nice time, as she Instagrammed a backstage selfie with fellow model Mariacarla Boscono. Lucky her.

4. Meanwhile, Rosie Huntington Whiteley walked for Balmain's 'urban jungle' collection

 

She's been so busy building a supermogul lingerie empire that, like Gisele, we'd forgotten that Rosie Huntingon-Whiteley used to make catwalk apperances. But she didL for Balmain's head honcho, designer Olivier Rousteing. The vibe of Balmain's latest collection was 'sassy safari' - with lots of belted and drawstrung leather, leopard and zebra print and Balmain's usual lashings of silver and gold rivet and chain embellishments. Take note too of the four-strand braided leather chokers - we're predicting they will be one of next autumn's most copied accessories.

**5. Even Rihanna gets stuck in traffic

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They tried to wait. But eventually the Balmain show had to start without Rihanna, who was stuck in traffic. The face of the brand turned up just as everyone was leaving, in a khaki belted leather jacket with matching side split pencil skirt. But Olivier didn't seem to mind. In fact he got down on one knee and pretended to propose, via Instagram. Fashion!

6. Surprise surprise, Kendall Jenner's in town

 

The globe-trotting 18-year-old descended upon Gay Paree. But somehow we don't think she was just there to visit Le Tour Eiffel. The question is, who will she be walking for? After New York's nipple-gate for Marc Jacobs and walking for Giles in London, we're really hoping Karl's going to add Chanel to her repetoire. Kendall + Karl = match made in heaven, no?

7. Carven's show proved that leopard print is still VERY BIG

 

Tom Ford did double-leopard in London and judging by Alexa Chung's favourite label Carven's Paris Fashion Week show that's officially now a thing. Carven's collection featured both the leopard-on-leopard look and the animal print also cutely trimming the lapels of coats and mini-dresses.

8. Jessica Alba is re-establishing herself as a fashion force

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She was on the front row at H&Mand Lanvin and partying in a very French combination of leather trousers + white tee at the Balmain after party with Rosie HW. She's officially promoting her upcoming film *Stretch - *but to be honest, you don't need an excuse to be in Paris really?

**9. White's still the colour to be seen in

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Judging by Gareth Pugh (left) and rocky label Barbara Bui (right), white on white is still going strong. Take head from the latter though: if you're going to attempt this look mix up the textures. Bui showed cream rib knit leggings, enormous ponchos, scuba sweats and midi skirts, turtlenecks and even ankle boots.

10. There were a dress covered in acrylic nails at Hussein Chalayan

 

This is all you need to know about this. Genius, no?

11. Fur featured in a big way at Lanvin

 

The fur debate rages on, but Lanvin's head designer Alber Elbaz seemed not to give a damn. There were grey and white fur coats at Lanvin, gigantic fur boleros and even a fur dress amidst the pleated black leather.

12. Dior was all about the mini corsetry

 

Dior's detail of the season was miniature lace-up detailing, on the lower back and down the sides of the tailored coats and dresses. Expect to see it on Jennifer Lawrence soon. The Oscars maybe?!

**13. Teenage socialite Harry Brant went down the catwalk

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Former model Stephanie Seymour's super-connected 17-year-old model son, Harry Brant - normally seen with his equally fashion-obsessed 20-year-old brother Peter - modelled in the IRFE catwalk show wearing skinny jeans, a poloneck, biker jacker and lashings of eyeliner. It's not the first time a male model's walked in a women's show (Andrej Pejic frequently does), or the first time a socialite has (hey, Kendall) but you should keep an eye on this one, not only because his Twitter feed is seriously hilarious.

**Follow Pandora on Twitter **@pinsykes

Pictures: Getty, Rex, Splash

This article originally appeared on The Debrief.

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