By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Kenzo: Tokyo Ease Meets Parisian Gold
On Wednesday evening, Kenzo, under the LVMH banner, presented a vibrant fusion of Tokyo streetwear and Parisian elegance in the gardens of the Palais Royal in Paris. The collection featured workwear inspired by Japanese construction uniforms, with men donning baggy denim pieces adorned with splashes of yellow, orange, and green.
In contrast, women's attire included less comfortable beach crochet evening dresses and bandeau tops reminiscent of traditional Japanese Furoshiki wrapping cloths. A standout piece by designer Nigo was a full face zipped mesh balaclava and bomber, already earmarked as a key item for the next season.
Wales Bonner: An Anglo Caribbean Downpour
British designer Wales Bonner, celebrated for her intellectual and identity driven fashion, delivered a collection inspired by the "vibrations of a seaside town." Drawing on her British and Jamaican heritage, Bonner's line featured deep reds and water inspired tones, blending Caribbean crochet and prints with exquisite tailoring. Notable pieces included jackets paired with scarlet unisex swim briefs, showcasing her mastery of diverse and innovative design.
LGN: Back in Grace
French menswear rising star LGN made a strong comeback with a collection presented in the courtyard of the Monnaie de Paris. Focused on desirability and sensuality, the line featured provocative men's silhouettes, including fishnet cycling shorts, shiny leather suit jackets, genderless dresses, skirts, and suits resembling daytime pyjamas. The inventive use of an elastic waistband created the illusion of a shirt tucked into trousers, held up by a belt.
Belgian Delirium at Walter Van Beirendonck
Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck, a prominent figure in the global LGBTQ "bear" community, pushed the boundaries of absurdity with a clown themed collection. The show featured oversized neon suits with smiley faces on the buttocks, cardboard party hats, and giant polka dot shoes. Despite the playful appearance, the collection conveyed a deeper message, with sad clowns bearing teddy bears riddled with bullet holes and smiles crudely drawn with lipstick.
Jeanne Friot: Love 'Harder'
French designer Jeanne Friot, known for her concept, presented a collection celebrating self assured love on the roof of her Paris school, partially sponsored by Tinder. Under a threatening sky, Friot, a staunch advocate of left wing politics, wore a T shirt condemning racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Her collection, dedicated to the "idols" who inspire confidence and authenticity, featured trompe l'oeil, fishnet, and visual tricks, including a dress made of belts and a striking giant boot centerpiece reaching mid thigh.
Paris Fashion Week Men's has thus far taken the audience on an emotional journey, from the neon brights of Kenzo to the evocative designs of Wales Bonner and LGN, encapsulating a broad spectrum of styles and emotions.