Paris Fashion Week Spring 2009 Trends
Trend spotting continues! Here are the spring 2009 fashion trends at first look over Paris Fashion Week collections:
Asymmetric: long/short trail-y gowns irreverent called ‘mullet dresses' made a shocking appearance on Paris runways. Except for an iconic rock wedding dress of the early 90s this cut never emerged as a fashion trend and I think neither will now, although we will see some experiments on the red carpet.
Balmain, Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro and Nina Ricci
Embroidery: glitz at Paris is given by bejeweled embroidery from rock chic to subtly aristocratic.
Ann Demeulemeester, Balmain, Collette Dinnigan, Undercover and Wunderkind
Hosiery: I have a weak spot for sheer, delicate stockings/tights that show up a fine leg. Sheer black, white, lace and two tones/ombre are Paris spring 2009 trends.
Jumpsuit: this fashion trend isn't going anywhere; in fact it has every chance of becoming a wardrobe basic. Flattering, elegant and alluring, spring 2009 jumpsuits have daring décolletage and up-to-the-minute carrot pants.
Akris, Anne Valérie Hash, Chloé, Collette Dinnigan, Dries Van Noten and Stella McCartney
Lace: traditional lace, almost with a vintage look gives the romantic vibe for spring. What's more feminine than a lacy dress, anyway?
A.F. Vandevorst, Antonio Berardi, Balmain, Elie Saab and Wunderkind
Leather jacket: from the fierce looking biker jacket, with big shoulders, to cropped boleros, a short leather jacket is a must have item for a modern wardrobe, and not just for teens.
Rue du Mail, Akris, Balmain, Haider Ackermann and Nina Ricci
Military: army jackets go great with both flimsy dresses and skinny jeans while golden buttons add a touch of bold sophistication.
Balmain, Limi Feu, Collette Dinnigan, Wunderkind, Tao and Loewe
Monochromatic: a one-color outfit creates a flattering longer, slimmer silhouette as long as the color is not too flashy and suits your complexion. White, black, grey are always a good choice and so are pastels like blush pink, sky blue, clay-green or mustard yellow.
A.F. Vandevorst, Akris, Anne Valérie Hash, Lanvin, Elie Saab and Giambattista Valli
One-shoulder dresses: a day-wear frock or an evening gown, this cut gives instant chic. The one-sleeve look is too 80s for me but the asymmetric draping on one shoulder has the quality of a classic.
Chloé, Emanuel Ungaro, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Lanvin and Valentino
Peg-leg or carrot pant is the ultimate cut for trousers. Wide at hips, narrow at the ankles they do real wonders for shorter or curvier women (like me hi-hi), creating long, slim legs. High heels are a must.
Anne Valérie Hash, Dries Van Noten, Emanuel Ungaro, Yohji Yamamoto, Rue du Mail and Chloé
Prints: the futuristic trend continues with these digital manipulated patterns. Love the check prints at Dries Van Noten.
Akris, Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Emanuel Ungaro and Hussein Chalayan
Prom mini dress: strapless, short and puffy is the definition of this ultimate flirty cocktail dress. Stella McCartney gives a futuristic note with origami pleats.
Balmain, Christian Lacroix, Sonia Rykiel and Stella McCartney
Skinny jeans: thought this cut would go away? I hope not or I've wasted all the time spent with Pilates classes. Distressed denim and leather are top choices for this bad-girl look.
Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Gareth Pugh, Givenchy and Nina Ricci
Tux: the classic tuxedo jacket (and a frock coat at Givenchy) is the perfect match for evening outfits in a boy-meets-girl look. My favorite? Louis Vuitton.
Alexander McQueen, Bruno Pieters, Givenchy, Kris Van Assche and Louis Vuitton
White&Black: the classical (non)chromatic duo gets new look with these "boarding-school" dresses. Black top&white pant is one of my favorite combos and metallic accessories add the right amount of glam.
A.F. Vandevorst, Antonio Berardi, Bruno Pieters, Requiem and Chanel
Balmain, Dries Van Noten, YSL, Rue du Mail, Stella McCartney and Ann Demeulemeester

















As for the "mullet dresses," I prefer to call them tailcoat dresses/gowns:
http://coseamato.blogspot.com/2008/10/trend-watch-tailcoat-dresses.html
Great post.
Nice, especially latest (Dries Van Noten). Author, what a source of this trends?
'tailcoat' sounds better, thanks Donkey :) As for the source, these trends come into view just browsing through Paris SS 2009 collections.
I love the trend towards asymmetric dresses and skirts. If a designer pulls off a great asymmetric design it's truly fabulous.
Thanks for the fashion tips! I am taking a group of kids to Paris spring of 09 and need quick expert advice on what to wear? Common trends for the spring, walking shoes....heels are cute, but ouch!...colors, and ways to carry off the comfort of jeans without looking out of place. Jewelery, belts, etc.....any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I am visiting France in March & I defintely wanted to be in the right fashions!
The Parisians always have such a trendier look than us Americans...
Thank you :)
This is the place I would like to be! Just once in my life. It was be such an experience and so rewarding to see all the inspiration in one fashionable room!
Wow! fabulous dress designs. I like the designs. especially Embroidery, Lace and White&Black.
I assume the "iconic rock wedding dress of the early 90s" you speak of is the Carmela Sutera wedding dress worn in and made especially for the Guns N' Roses video November Rain, yes?