Grandiose presentations on catwalks in the French capital mark the end of another eventful fashion month. The overarching theme amongst both designers and attendees was to simply bask in splendor - using bold materials, vivid colors, and majestic concepts. Determining the top collections of Paris was a difficult feat. Instead, we were mesmerized by the tactical use of material like children in a candy store, (“I like this..and this..and this!”). Keep scrolling for the key themes of Paris Fashion Week!

TEXTUREMANIA

Elie Saab's decadent sequined pieces evoked the modern era of disco - if one were to exist. While the collection wasn't as golden as the Studio 54 inspired 'Standing on Stardust' collection debuted for AW16, its maroon beaded mesh jumpsuit and black lace and sequin designs told a darker 70's tale.

Thom Browne meant business this year, beginning his show with classic three-piece suits, briefcases, and tan trenches. The typical Wall Street attire took a turn when fur trimmings were added to skirt and pantsuits. In a textured encore, the tailored pieces were created with patriotic tweeds.

Alexander McQueen further reinforced the dark, romantic themes we saw during Paris Fashion Week. From a thorny-like dress and embellished blazer to a blood red satin dress constructed to resemble a rose, Sarah Burton's collection was dramatically executed.

PRINTS

“They’re not quite animal, not quite mineral,” says Casey Cadwallader said. “We actually used the word herbal.” Animal, mineral, herbal - whichever print Mugler sent down the runway - we were fixated on the abstract placement of contrasting prints on Mugler’s signature hourglass shapes and leather patchwork coats.

Chanel welcomed guests into a winter wonderland for Karl Lagerfeld's posthumous show at the Grand Palais in Paris. After a few minutes of silence in memory of the legendary designer, Chanel's classic tweed ensembles proceeded down a snowy runway. Only this season, models were clad in contrasting houndstooth and windowpane, as well as plaid. It was surprising to see bold, almost neon prints in the collection, especially before finishing with stark white Winterland pieces.

Since his arrival nearly three years ago, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello has explored the parts of Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy that closely aligned with his own. This collection further embraced the animal print trend, influencing our opinions with feather-finished pencil skirts, elongated stoles, and wild blacklight enhanced pieces.

COUTURE ACCESSORIES

Did we mention fashion week attendees aimed to bring just as much couture as the runways did? While we saw the color red and bold prints in a number of styles, the real spectacle was in the accessories of Paris' streets. (Even the pets beckoned to be recognized.)

Stay tuned right here for our full fashion month report!