Viktor & Rolf: A PFW SS10 Highlight

“Parisiennes” know a thing or two about fashion. So, as the last stop on a tour of the world’s cities of style, the French capital never fails to delight – both on and off the runway. With style spectators including Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss and Miranda Kerr – who also did a surprise turn on the Balenciaga catwalk – Paris’ fashion scene had much to satisfy the seasoned fashionista and inspire the star-studded crowds looking to make Spring/Summer 2010 a season to remember. Here are a few of my Paris highlights…

A Stefano Pilati creation for SS10

Location: Palais De Tokyo
Joanne Black Style: Alexander Wang dress, Sharon waucho coat, Alaia ankle boots, YSL Bag.
The collection: Fashion working women will love designer Stefano Pilati’s S/S 2010 collection. Starting well with a belted white trouser suit, the show covered everything from belted dresses, high-waisted skirts and signature white blouses to edgy black leather pieces. YSL talked about a ‘natural and honest chic’, which was evident throughout Pilati’s collection. There was room for a few surprises, however, with strawberry prints and a peasant motif influencing much of the collection.
The wish list: This working woman will certainly be stepping out in Stefano’s finest come next Spring. The green peasant belted dress, white high-waisted shorts with a contoured matching jacket, heart-shaped top with skirt and sleeveless leather jacket will soon be making their way into my life.
The style: Style and star spotting was order of the day with everyone from Katy Perry and Claudia Schiffer to Prince and Kate Moss turning up to show their support for the talented Stefano Pilati.

The ladies @ Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Joanne Black Style: Jodhpur-style trousers, YSL blouse, jacket and bag, Georgina Goodman boots and a white Hermes scarf


A day away from Paris Fashion Week is no day off from the Paris fashion scene. Those French ladies were out in force with every Chanel bag imaginable at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Europe’s premier middle-distance horse race. It was Ireland’s day, however, after Sea the Stars – ridden by 50-year-old jockey Mick Kinane – crossed the finish line an impressive two lengths ahead of runner-up Youmzain. With the Irish flag flying high, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Location: POPB – Salle Marcel Cerdan
Joanne Black Style: black Martin Margiela dress, Alaia ankle boots, Sharon Wauchob jacket and a YSL bag
The collection: The show may have been overshadowed somewhat by questions over the input of Margiela himself, but there was something very interesting and experimental about the use of texture throughout this S/S 2010 collection. With short paper corset dresses, crinkled cloth, synthetic foil, leather white fishermen-style boots, body suits and pieces with trailing tape, the designs certainly pushed the boundaries of what would normally be expected at a Margiela show. The highlight for me was the celebratory finale, which saw models in white short paper dresses surrounded by paper streamers.
The wish list: The bright tropical prints wouldn’t do much for my complexion, but the long black jumpsuit with slits in the legs, the slouchy boots and white leather jacket would certainly add some different textures to my wardrobe.
The style: Singer and Margiela fan Rihanna made a fab entrance in a sheer black mini with one gloved white leather sleeve.

Location: The Saatchi Gallery
Joanne Black style: Alexandra Wang LBD; Sergio Rossi ankle shoes; Wunderkind leather jacket and a Chanel bag.

The Pringle of Scotland collection up close

Anna Wintour - stylish as ever

The Pringle of Scotland collection is a style sensation

The collection: Designer Clare Waight Keller knows how to put on a show. Everything about this collection impressed me – from the neutral colour palette to the short dresses with fab rock ‘n’ roll belts, chunky cable knits and her cool and classic combinations. I was also excited to see Anna Wintour sitting on the front row working her blackberry – and those statement black shades. What a legend!
The wish list: I’ve got my eye on the collection’s fab short grey sexy dress.
The style: Tilda Swinton deserves a mention for her chic and elegant white trouser suit and her fantastic short crop hairstyle.