Of all the runway shows at Paris Fashion Week, these are the collections that will affect what you wear and see in stores next season:
The brand: Balmain
Why: Christophe Decarnin’s military-inspired jackets, peaked blazers and punk rock chic trousers from his spring '09 collection became the official uniform for the streets of Paris (and for women in Paris and New York, in general.) His fall collection, which featured lots of harem pants and pointed shoulders, will take the look to an even more mainstream level as the chain stores of the world knockoff the silhouette.
The brand: Yves Saint Laurent
Why: You can thank Stefano Pilati for the whole harem pant trend being so popular in the first place. And come next season, you can credit him for all of the black leather you’ll see in your favourite mid-priced retail shops. While leather has slowly been making a comeback, YSL’s fall '09 collection will take it to its tipping point.
The brand: Stella McCartney
Why: She’s got the green factor going, which more women are looking for these days (see her PETA-friendly thigh-high boots). Not to mention her cool, boxy blazers and easy, office-appropriate dresses and trousers are some of the city’s best wearable options for fall.
The brand: Louis Vuitton
Why: Marc Jacobs' fall collection for the house features the best execution of several key trends for fall: draping and strong, exaggerated shoulders. Plus, chances are high that you'll see his sexy, yet playful mini dresses all over the red carpet. On the accessories front, the more forgiving shape of his thigh-high boot will appeal to women who don't have model-size gams.
The brand: Miu Miu
Why: Besides the fact that Miuccia Prada has a longstanding reputation for being one of the industry's most influential designers, her fall collection features ideas that are universally appealing to women. You'd be hard-pressed to find a girl who doesn't have a weakness for glittery things such as her maroon skirt featuring giant crystals and sequin flower embellished heels. Expect to see more modified knockoffs of the idea in stores next season.
