Photography by Peter Stigter
See the coats at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013 »
Sensory overload! From the wispy feathers at Dries Van Noten to the rock ‘n’ roll studded mini-wrap skirt at Isabel Marant, Paris Fashion Week is an adrenalin-charged sartorial dream. (Seeing Catherine Deneuve munching on popcorn at Lanvin was très surreal.) Ping-ponging from one sensational venue to the next—Palais de Tokyo to Grand Palais to Jardin des Tuileries—is a test of endurance and high-heeled ankle strength. Now at its halfway point, this marathon de la mode has unraveled several key trends. One in particular: I’m seeing much runway love for slouchy XL tailoring. It’s a woman’s world, in a man’s coat. 8 designers (and counting) have rocked relaxed dropped shoulders with wide wrap-me-up lapels and massive boxy silhouettes. Got a little bit of room to spare under that woolen cover-up? All the better for layering winter’s equally large and cozy knits.
Carven
Extra roomy trenches floated down the runway in fairytale pastels of pink and blue and crisp white.
Rochas
This commanding bell-like shape strewn with dainty blue flowers allowed enough room to accommodate the matching full-volume skirt. Those less petal-inclined might prefer the subtler version in black.
Dries Van Noten
The Belgian designer showed a quirky feathered version and another in a romantic lilac-hued floral print. A classic beige trench also sported the drop-shoulder construction, which he embellished with asymmetrical embroidery and cinched at the waist.
Felipe Oliveira Baptista
Baptista echoed the strong dropped-shoulder onto a statement-making dinner jacket over bare legs, also a cobalt blue top with matching slacks. Another look fused the bold posture over a snug-fitting dress.
Guy Laroche
The vibrant magenta hue of this monochromatic ensemble electrified this more-is-more perfecto.
Nina Ricci
The ultra-feminine fashion house elevated the ubiquitous Canada Goose parka in classic lipstick red and matching leather gloves.
Acne
Go big or go home. And while you’re at it, why not opt for dark apricot, crisp white, or aviator brown with fur collar.
Céline
Even a lady needs a little wiggle room. These elegant double-breasted coats make a statement with out compromising femininity.
