Paris Fashion Week Declares Spring‘s Key Trends: Power Shoulders, ‘Real Skin,’ and Practical Glamour
PARIS - Paris fashion Week concluded with a clear message for spring 2024: fashion is embracing a blend of bold statement and everyday wearability. Designers across New York, Milan, and Paris showcased three dominant trends – strong shoulders, a focus on natural textures and silhouettes (“real skin”), and a reimagining of dressy pieces for daily life – signaling a shift towards clothing that is both impactful and practical.
The season’s collections demonstrated a move away from purely aspirational fashion, instead prioritizing pieces designed for living. Dramatic elements, like capes seen at Dior, were presented as easily integrated into a modern wardrobe, while feathers across multiple houses were designed for movement, not just display. This emphasis on functionality extended to accessories, with bags becoming more practical and fabrics prioritizing comfort and lightness.
Bottega Veneta’s Louise Trotter emphasized the house’s signature craft with sleek outerwear and knits,complementing a broader trend of bigger shoulders and a lighter feel.At Versace, new creative director Dario Vitale steered the brand towards a more accessible aesthetic – “sexy, a little undone, and cut to live in,” according to reports. Michael Kors echoed this sentiment in New York, presenting travel-inspired layers suited for warmer climates.
Color palettes were anchored by black, used to define silhouettes and new suiting, punctuated by strategic pops of jewel tones.A minimalist approach, reminiscent of Calvin Klein, prevailed, prioritizing shape and quality over excessive embellishment.
Rick Owens’ Paris show, featuring models walking through water, encapsulated the season’s underlying theme of resilience.Ultimately, the most prosperous looks prioritized purpose over fleeting viral moments, offering pieces like strong jackets, sheer dresses, and versatile capes that seamlessly blend boldness with utility.
