Paris Fashion Week Was Buzzing with Talk of Raf Simons and Hedi Slimane!

Following the couture shows, the buzz at the Spring/Summer 2013 Paris collections centered on Raf Simons presenting ready-to-wear for Christian Dior and Hedi Slimane's debut at Saint Laurent. International media even ran features on "Dior vs Saint Laurent," highlighting the excitement.

In July, Raf Simons received thunderous applause for his modern couture based on the bar jacket. But what about the ready-to-wear?

With anticipation building, I entered the specially constructed white venue. Inside, the space was divided by chiffon curtains in pale pink, lemon yellow, aqua blue, and green. The collection began with basic black bar jacket and pant suits, then transitioned at an upbeat tempo to lighter ensembles paired with mini skirts and short pants. Futuristic pieces followed, incorporating chiffon and lustrous materials.

"Embroidery was used not as decoration, but to construct the body," explained Raf Simons. Viewed from the front, the symmetrical beadwork indeed emphasized the silhouette.





Saint Laurent set up a stark black stage at the Grand Palais. The first look featured a tuxedo jacket from Monsieur Saint Laurent's archives paired with pencil pants. Silhouettes characteristic of Saint Laurent, such as sheer bow-tie blouses and long skirts, were updated with Slimane's signature sharp lines.