Yves Saint Laurent Autumn 2012

There was no sign of the malnourished, waif-like 

child model in Stefano Pilati's final show

for Yves Saint Laurent.

This collection catered to a sophisticated woman.

A chic Parisian power player, 

bold and fearless,

invulnerable and distant,

haughty and just a little chilly.

The collection harkened back to the 80's,

Pilati's favorite decade,

with big boxy shoulders and strong tailoring.

His models were like the glamazons of the 80's,

with strong faces and broad shoulders.

Hair was slicked back, 

the visage clean and uncluttered,

but with a firm, dark mouth.

After his 8 year tenure at the helm of Yves Saint Laurent

his final bow to the fashion editors and buyers

fittingly received a standing ovation.

all images by Monica Feudi for Vogue.com

Chanel Autumn 2012 Paris Fashion Week

Apparently Karl Lagerfeld got bored with planet earth.

For Chanel Autumn 2012 he created a new world

that mirrored Superman's home planet, Krypton. 

His models were crystalized from head to toe,

their heels were perspex,

their hair was severely pulled back,

all that was missing was a man in tights.

Balmain Autumn 2012, Paris Fashion Week

Balmain Autumn 2012 was only 26 year old Olivier Rousteing's second collection,

a collection that was apparently inspired 

by the Faberge eggs he saw last year 

during his first ever trip to New York.

This inspiration was beautifully executed in the embellishment

seen on dresses, boxy jackets and deep V'd tuxedo jackets.

In a departure from Balmain's uber tight jeans,

Rousteing showed newly forgiving trousers in velvets and leathers.

 

While maintaining a chic, rock n roll edge,

Balmain Autumn 2012 was defined by the exquisite detailing.

Rochas Autumn/Winter 2012 Paris Fashion Week

The pottery of Swedish ceramist Wilhelm Kage,

and modernism in general were the key influences for

Marco Zanini at Rochas Autumn 2012.

Cool geometric prints, 

models in demi-bouffant loose hairdo's

with bold, dark lips

and a slightly edgy 50's vibe 

in palettes of mauves, petrol blues, sludgy browns

and greenish yellows.

The line spoke to "an intelligent, cultivated woman" said Zanini.

And the jaquard print tights???

Love.