SHARP suits, glittering metals and punchy print lined the runway at Paco Rabanne’s SS20 show for PFW. The collection was colourful and busy – you found yourself struggling to keep up with each ensemble, but when you did it was worth it. These loud looks were made for those who are the life and soul of the party.
Tailoring was a big feature of the collection, but with a decidedly seventies twist (you could almost hear ABBA playing in the background). White blazers were worn over plunging shirts with exaggerated collars and printed, technicolour trousers.
As a big fan of cowboy boots, I was delighted when some knee-high, blue, white and black ones made an appearance, paired unconventionally with a feminine, glittering dress. A silver leather jacket, tied at the waist, covered in clouds and a sun, was another unexpected favourite, and paired with a classic pair of heels, created a brave sense of alternative style.
Julien Dossena, the creative director, wanted to incorporate flowers into the Paco Rabanne aesthetic and he did so ingeniously by replicating a floral print onto chainmail, a look that the brand is famous for. Toying with texture, the chainmail pieces were layered over cotton polo tops and leather shoes, the monochromatic metal contrasting with bright reds and blues.
Beauty was kept natural, so as not to detract from the clothing, and accessories were limited to a tasselled black bag and elaborately designed, western style belts.
Although the audacious SS20 collection might not suit everyone’s taste, it certainly left an impression in the minds of the onlookers – the confidence which the collection exuded was infectious. Paco Rabanne, always daring, lived up to expectations.
by Alicia Pountney