A Look Ahead: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week will take place from February 28 to March 7. The event is known for showing plenty of couture and vintage looks. Throughout the week, some of the biggest names in fashion will be showing off their new collections, so here is a rundown of the schedule.

On March 1, Nina Ricci will be on the runway along with Balenciaga. On March 2 and March 3, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood will all show their collections. The last four days in Paris are loaded with well-known and respected designers, including Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton.

What collections are you most excited to see?

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Miuccia Prada Shows Both Sides of the Spectrum

Hands down, one of the most exciting things about a designer who overlaps between two or more brands is waiting and watching for the differences (if any) that appear in simultaneously debuting collections. For this fashion week, that category landed firmly in the hands of Miuccia Prada — who not only helms the infamous Prada that showed at the beginning of the week, but also Miu Miu, which showed today.

This season, the shows couldn't have been more different while, at the same time, have clear, stylistic influences that melded from one line to the other. Prada's kitschy prints were paired with retro styling for a very girly, "sweet" line.

More after the jump...

Miu Miu's New Fourteen-Year-Old Campaign Girl

Fourteen-year-old American starlet Hailee Steinfeld is sure making a name for herself. After showing off her acting chops in True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld continues to wow audiences with her glamorous red carpet choices and now as Miu Miu's Fall campaign star. She is evidently wise beyond her years in terms of her fashion closet. Oscar-nominated Steinfeld who has adorned and wowed on numerous occasions in Miu Miu, like in London at the BAFTAs, has also worn classically beautiful pieces by Marchesa, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Phillip Lim and other big names. Miu Miu's RTW Fall 2011 features strong shapes, shoulders, pencil skirts, collars, vintage silhouettes and lots of burnt orange tones as well as classy black.

Such Great Heights

Initially used to create the perfect catholic schoolgirl look, thigh high socks are quickly making a comeback in the fashion world. This season, knee-high socks are being worn in new and exciting ways- so you can forget about dusting off your penny loafers and pleated plaid skirts. For summer, thigh high socks are being worn under chunky platform sandals and are being paired with everything from tap shorts to bohemian dresses. As the fall season approaches, thigh high socks look cozy and cute when worn over a pair of sheer patterned tights, or when seen peeking out of a great new pair of boots. There are a ton of styles out there; from the chunky cable-knit material made by Miu Miu to the basic, solid material sold at Target. I would suggest trying out a low end pair first, just so you can experiment with the trend’s different colors and textures before investing in a high end, designer pair. Make sure the way you wear them is flattering to your body type- those with bigger thighs may want to stick to socks that hit just below the kneecap, as these lengths are super slimming. If you’re toned and trimmed, try pairing just above the kneecap socks with a pair of your shortest shorts. The contrast that this creates is a fun and new approach to dressing up in the summer months. The best part about this trend is that it works for every season, so when you find a pair that you love, don’t hesitate to purchase them! Socks have been making appearances on the runways for both the summer and for the upcoming fall/winter runway collections. With that said, it looks like they are here to stay!

Text Ali Antonucci

To clog or not to clog?

It's possibly the most bizarre trend to emerge in recent years, but the clog, the shoe of choice in the Netherlands (at least, if the rumours are to be believed), has planted itself firmly on the fashion radar. Spotted on the Chanel catwalk at the S/S 2010 shows and at Louis Vuitton, style icons such as Alexa Chung and Sarah Jessica Parker have been quick to pick up on the trend and now it looks as if they're heading to a high street near you.

Despite dividing opinion in the fashion community, the good news is that for those brave enough to try the trend, there are plenty of options available that don't make you look like a milkmaid. Clogs are high heeled and eye-catching, and more importantly, easy to walk in. Miu Miu have a great floral pair, and their cat version has already sold out after featuring in Elle UK's Accessories Report. Time for some bandwagon-jumping, maybe?



Kay Weston

Lovely Lindsey Wixson

At the barely ripe age of 15, Model Lindsey Wixson has a new after school activity to add to her resume: the face of Miu Miu.

The Wichita native began modeling at the age of 12 by attending as many castings as possible, and had her break when she was personally selected by Steven Meisel for an Italian Vogue shoot. This comes as no surprise when you see the willowy blonde's full, heart-shaped pout.

Wixson has landed exclusives walking for Miu Miu and Prada for the Spring 2010 shows. Quite an accomplishment when you consider what you were doing at 15!

-Erin O'Hara