AFTER winning the industry over with her debut, Natacha Ramsay-Levi has proven herself a second time to be the woman fit for the job as she showed her Chloé AW18 collection in Paris. Much anticipated, as second collections often are, her settling into the role appeared to be effortless as she focused upon defining the reality of the Chloé girl.
The ‘70s vintage inspired collection was reflective of women’s strength, remaining true to French classicism if not a little disruptive. Her girls were dressed feminine and smart, while hinting at sexuality in the form of lots of skin-baring from the extra deep cut necklines, intimate details like a button undone, or the cheeky cut-outs on shoulders or the hip. It was subtle sexiness, exactly what we like to see from Paris fashion week. In a breakaway from the restrictions of the bourgeoisie, they were allowing their desires to take over, just a little.
The earthy colour palette was made up with some delicious shades of chocolate, biscuit, caramel and ecru. Ramsay-Levi went all out with the fringing, the dainty embellished lace on panelled dresses, the jodhpurs and flares with zips across the high thigh. Defining details were the sparkling knits, the necks adorned with chunky chains; the sleeves clenched at the wrists or above the elbow with metal cuffs; or our favourite – the Chloé logo socks. All in all, a second success for Ramsay-Levi.
by Grace Calton