Fashion photos of the week: Jan. 22
A select sample of the Paris men's wear shows, which wrapped on Sunday
Creative director Guillaume Henry continues to explore the life of the Carven guy. His fourth men’s collection, staged against the backdrop of a lifeless office, showed all sorts of rebellious streaks (note the balaclava) while maintaining a certain Parisian polish.Zacharie Scheurer/The Associated Press
Icy blue is an unconventional enough choice for a suit. Slice off the pants to capri length (especially for fall!) and the result is more whimsical than wearable.Zacharie Scheurer/The Associated Press
For all the refreshed-fifties office attire, Henry balanced the collection with bold ski-inspired pieces. Fair Isle sweaters in mohair and technical outerwear like this red parka trimmed in marine blue mink will attract new Carven customers while inciting the faithful to return.Zacharie Scheurer/The Associated Press
The Mugler show notes described the collection as “a triangulation of concept, colour and vision” and “the trinity of tailoring, aeronautical and military regalia.” This theme of threes also played out as a triangle motif so oversized that it almost drew the eye away from the hot pink suit.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
Creative director Nicola Formichetti and designer Romain Kremer outfitted their model army in hyper-stylized uniforms – gear less designed for combat than K-pop music videos. Not shown: a badge dubbed the “MUGL-AIR insignia.” Get it?Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
All salute the commander in the glossy green patent onesie. But seriously, the collection was strong on statement, tailoring and kick-ass combat boots.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
For fall 2013, Kim Jones, men’s wear designer for Louis Vuitton, looked to the Himalayas, fusing inspirations from Bhutan with luxury fabrications. The opening look featured a double-breasted overcoat in cashmere that had been needle-punched with mink fur to create a snow-leopard pattern.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
Elite adventurer sportswear gave way to gentlemanly attire – but look closely at the pattern: The work of British brother artists Dinos and Jake Chapman, it boasts beastly creatures and one-eyed plants. The inspiration came from Diana Vreeland’s apartment, which she dubbed a “Garden in Hell.”Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
Another Chapman brothers’ contribution, a crazy (or cute?) snow leopard. They also designed the pearl-topped pins that decorated the folded, floppy caps.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
Few designers have mastered the notion of toned-down decadence quite like Dries Van Noten. Continuing the grunge theme he introduced in his women’s spring collection, the Belgian designer has outfitted his men as if they luxuriate in a state of dishabille – like Oscar Wildes minus the dandy OCD.Zacharie Scheurer/The Associated Press
But any tendency towards disheveled is inevitably reined in by classic, impeccably-cut key pieces – the silhouette forgiving but strong.Zacharie Scheurer/The Associated Press
With the runway position in ring lined on either side with candles, the Givenchy show had the aura of a dark arts ceremony. Once again Riccardo Tisci conjured up a vision that went heavy on imagery and edge.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
The poster print shirt has become a Givenchy signature under Tisci’s reign. This season featured collages of statues, flowers and pentagrams – all in several, if not 50, shades of grey.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
There was an exceptional amount of detail at work in the leather jackets, which were often shown with shorts to emphasize their shape and construction.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
The luxury spirit of Hermès is never excessively overt and always ever-so-slightly sporty.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
This is Veronique Nichanian quarter-century anniversary as men’s wear designer for Hermès. Her strength: evolving the leather-centric tradition of the house while conceiving the classics of tomorrow.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
Lanvin’s creative director for men’s wear, Lucas Ossendrijver, maintained a largely slimline look through the collection while also introducing a roomier jacket silhouette.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
Which is not to suggest the collection wasn’t body conscious. Not shown: an update on the coveted Lanvin sneaker, now offered in a nine-way colour scheme.Christophe Ena/The Associated Press
Soon-to-be ubiquitous street style accessory: Comme Des Garcons rabbit-eared cap.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press
Or, alternately, a Mickey Mouse version.Jacques Brinon/The Associated Press