Viktor & Rolf: A PFW SS10 Highlight

“Parisiennes” know a thing or two about fashion. So, as the last stop on a tour of the world’s cities of style, the French capital never fails to delight – both on and off the runway. With style spectators including Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss and Miranda Kerr – who also did a surprise turn on the Balenciaga catwalk – Paris’ fashion scene had much to satisfy the seasoned fashionista and inspire the star-studded crowds looking to make Spring/Summer 2010 a season to remember. Here are a few of my Paris highlights…

A Stefano Pilati creation for SS10

Location: Palais De Tokyo
Joanne Black Style: Alexander Wang dress, Sharon waucho coat, Alaia ankle boots, YSL Bag.
The collection: Fashion working women will love designer Stefano Pilati’s S/S 2010 collection. Starting well with a belted white trouser suit, the show covered everything from belted dresses, high-waisted skirts and signature white blouses to edgy black leather pieces. YSL talked about a ‘natural and honest chic’, which was evident throughout Pilati’s collection. There was room for a few surprises, however, with strawberry prints and a peasant motif influencing much of the collection.
The wish list: This working woman will certainly be stepping out in Stefano’s finest come next Spring. The green peasant belted dress, white high-waisted shorts with a contoured matching jacket, heart-shaped top with skirt and sleeveless leather jacket will soon be making their way into my life.
The style: Style and star spotting was order of the day with everyone from Katy Perry and Claudia Schiffer to Prince and Kate Moss turning up to show their support for the talented Stefano Pilati.

Joanne Black @ the Giambattista Valli show

Location: Espace Ephémère Tuileries
Joanne Black Style: Alaia white shirt and belt, YSL trench coat, Georgina goodman boots and a YSL bag

The collection: As a younger collection for the fashionable twenty-something, there was a lot of leg on show on Valli’s catwalk! Influenced by artists such as Brancusi, Picasso and Man Ray, this was a sophisticated S/S 2010 collection, complete with lots of drop waist frothy mini-dresses – with feathers or jewels – as well as the egg-shaped dresses and cocoon coats that have made an appearance over the last few seasons.
The wish list: Lots to choose from but the short black drop waist dress with frothy feathers and the leopard print jacket and shorts caught my eye.
The style: Italian Independent designer Lapo Elkann looked super cool sitting on the front row in a beige brown suit teamed with an interesting grey and black Burberry scarf and signature shades from his own collection.

The ladies @ Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Joanne Black Style: Jodhpur-style trousers, YSL blouse, jacket and bag, Georgina Goodman boots and a white Hermes scarf


A day away from Paris Fashion Week is no day off from the Paris fashion scene. Those French ladies were out in force with every Chanel bag imaginable at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Europe’s premier middle-distance horse race. It was Ireland’s day, however, after Sea the Stars – ridden by 50-year-old jockey Mick Kinane – crossed the finish line an impressive two lengths ahead of runner-up Youmzain. With the Irish flag flying high, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

An innovative design by Viktor & Rolf

Location: Espace Ephémère Tuileries
Joanne Black Style: black Sharon Wauchob dress, Alaia ankle boots and belt and a YSL bag
The collection: Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren’s latest collection was anything but ordinary. With Róisín Murphy singing at the back of the runway while a series of tulle ball gowns – that looked like they’d been attacked with a chainsaw – were modelled, this S/S 2010 show had a definite entertainment factor. As well as the stand out designs – one dress was actually sliced in half – there were some rather more wearable pieces scattered throughout the collection, including a short tux-style jacket with satin shorts and a green and black dress.
The wish list: I am not sure many of their outfits are practical enough to make it beyond the catwalk, but I did love their pastel and teal blue satin and ruffled dress.
The style: REM’s Michael Stipe admired the collection from the front row – just a shame he didn’t put in a performance.

Ball gown à la Viktor & Rolf