Sofia Achaval’s Complete Spring 2020 Paris Fashion Week Diary

DAY 7: SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Valentino
Valentino presented its Spring collection at Les Invalides among a setting with neon details over the walls and seats, foreshadowing what we would see on the runway. Among the guests sitting first row were Camila Cabello, Pixie Geldof, and Naomi Campbell. At the beginning of the show, the white dresses stood out because of their shapes and volumes and their combination with delicate round necklaces with pendants at the centre. The collection kept this dazzling simplicity all around, even when dresses in brighter colors like lime and fuchsia came on. Models wore their hair loose creating a relaxed look, while others wore golden stone appliqué on their faces.

Akris
Akris celebrated its 10-year anniversary of the Ai handbag, conceived by Albert Kriemler when he folded a bag into a trapeze shape to simulate an A and thus creating the iconic design. A big replica of the bag at the entrance was the big star of the show that took place at the Grand Palais. The Ai design was also the starting point for the collection, with simple lines but details in folded and sheer fabrics. The color choices was fundamental in the designing process, and the decisions were inspired by the artist Antonio Calderata, who works with super luminous and bright colors. This was reflected in fabrics with sparkles and sequins, the most exceptional one being a silver one used in tailored clothes and handbags.

Balenciaga
La Cité du Cinema was the venue for the show, in a total blue hall with chairs forming a spiral through which the models walked. The collection had a futuristic imprint where shoulders stood out giving new dimension to the garments that went high at head level. Dresses with extra large skirts were among the most striking items. Furthermore, we saw Bella Hadid walk for Balenciaga for the first time in a tight red dress that looked simple at the front but looked like cyclist shorts from the back. Accessories also drew attention, going from credit card earrings to Hello Kitty handbags, while even some models walked with cellphones in their hands.