Paris Menswear Week kicked off with a bang, as Pharrell Williams made his debut as the creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. The show took place at the iconic Pont-Neuf bridge, and was nothing short of spectacular.
Pharrell was not the only one to captivate the fashion industry’s attention during this eventful week. Kim Jones, the artistic director of Dior Homme, showcased a maximalist collection that embraced shimmering embellishments, fierce animal prints, and vibrant neon shades. The runway was a spectacle of bold and daring designs that pushed the boundaries of menswear. On the other hand, Hermés took a more subtle approach with a collection that featured pastel blue and coral shades. Givenchy, always at the forefront of fashion trends, delivered a collection that ticked multiple boxes. From grungy checked shirts to pale pink textured hoodies, their designs perfectly captured the essence of the season. And let’s not forget about the bomber jacket, the must-have outerwear piece of the moment, which was prominently featured in their collection.
These shows set the tone for the leading trends of the season. Let’s take a look at a few of the major trends that we can expect to see in Fall/Winter 2023-24.
BOMBER JACKETS
Bomber jackets with elasticated waistbands emerged as the dominant outerwear trend of the season. Givenchy showcased an array of colourways ranging from vibrant red to classic military green. Hermès, on the other hand, presented a more laid-back interpretation with a pale blue hue and contrasting collar and sleeve details in grey. Sacai, a Japanese luxury label, opted for an oversized silhouette with a lustrous satin texture, while Doublet, another Japanese brand, paid homage to tradition with a military-inspired design. One of the standout features of the bomber jacket trend is the elasticated waistband, which adds a sporty and modern touch to the classic silhouette. This detail not only enhances the jacket’s fit but also adds a relaxed and laid-back vibe. It creates a flattering shape while providing comfort and ease of movement.
CUT-OUT FITS
Designers in the fashion industry have been pushing the boundaries with torso-revealing cut-out details, creating a trend that is definitely not for the fainthearted. From subtle to barely there, these daring designs have been showcased by designers like Rick Owens, who gave just a hint of skin, as well as emerging French designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin, who opted for long sleeves and not much else. The trend was also seen at Canadian brand Mr Saturday, and French label Egonlab took it to the extreme with a halterneck design featuring an intertwined strip of fabric that revealed more than it covered.
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
Fluorescent orange shades took centre stage on the runways, making a bold and eye-catching impact. One standout example of this trend was seen at the Parisbased label Études, where neon reigned supreme. Their showstopper piece was a silky textured trench coat in a vibrant fluorescent orange hue. Meanwhile, Dries Van Noten opted for a lightweight activewear fabric in a pastel colourway for his trench, adding a unique twist to this trend. Issey Miyake embraced the all-over tonal colour scheme, showcasing the power of monochromatic looks. Taking it a step further, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning layered their ensemble with a contrasting khaki shade, demonstrating the versatility of this vibrant trend.
TEXTURED VESTS
This bold trend has emerged as the ultimate style statement for those who aren’t afraid to take risks with their fashion choices. Textured vests effortlessly transform a mundane outfit into a captivating visual feast. One of the key features of textured vests is the unconventional woven and knit patterns. These unique patterns add depth and dimension to the vest, making it a real head-turner. When it comes to styling textured vests, the possibilities are endless. They can be paired with jeans and a basic tee for a chic and effortless daytime look, or layered over a shirt for a more elegant and refined ensemble. Adding a textured vest instantly elevates the overall aesthetic and brings a touch of individuality to your outfit. Another advantage of textured vests is their seasonless appeal. They can be worn year-round, providing warmth in colder months and helping you stay cool in the warmer season. This versatility allows you to experiment with different textures and patterns throughout the year, keeping your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
MONOCHROME FITS
This trend is all about embracing the power of a single hue and making a bold statement with your style. The beauty of monotone suits lies in their simplicity. By sticking to a single colour palette, one can create a cohesive and effortlessly sleek look that exudes confidence and sophistication. Whether it’s a classic black suit or a vibrant shade like red or cobalt blue, the monotone suit trend allows you to express your personal style in a powerful way.
NUDE PALETTE
Pale pink hues dominated the fashion scene in Paris this summer, as designers embraced a laid-back interpretation of the pastel shade. Amiri showcased their creativity by combining various shades and textures of pink, featuring everything from matte rose-coloured scarves to intricately woven details and bouclé textures. Paul Smith elevated the dusky hue with a sophisticated three-piece suit, while Kiko Kostadinov, originally from Bulgaria, brought a playful touch with a romper suit in the same pastel shade. Kenzo also joined the trend, injecting rosy pink colourways into their tailored pieces, adding a bright and refreshing twist.
LONG SHIRTS
Another trend that made waves at Paris Menswear Week was long shirts. These shirts are not your typical button-downs; they are bold and captivating, designed to elevate any ordinary outfit into a visually stunning masterpiece. Long shirts offer a fresh take on traditional menswear, bringing a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look. What sets long shirts apart is the attention to detail in their designs. From eye-catching prints to intricate patterns, these shirts are all about making a statement. Whether you opt for a long shirt with a bold floral print or one with a more abstract design, you can be sure that all eyes will be on you.
SHEER + KNITWEAR LAYERING
Sheer layering is about embracing the playful and daring side of fashion. This trend allows you to have fun with your style by delicately draping sheer sweaters over eccentric knitwear, creating a captivating display of skin and texture. With sheer layering and knitwear, one has the opportunity to play with different fabrics, colours, and patterns. This trend allows you to show just the right amount of skin while maintaining an undeniable chicness.
PRINT-ON-PRINT COORDS
Print-on-print has become the latest menswear trend, and it has never looked better. The runways in Paris were filled with coordinated looks that made a lasting impression. Louis Vuitton, under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams, showcased a collection of twinsets, including their iconic check pattern. Williams introduced a fresh take on the classic check pattern, incorporating vibrant colours and unexpected pairings. The result was a bold and eyecatching collection that captured the essence of modern menswear. Marine Serre embraced colourful prints for their co-ords, while Rhude, a brand based in LA, took inspiration from the nautical theme. Japanese label White Mountaineering surprised with an abstract botanical print in a lovely lilac colourway.
EXAGGERATED SLEEVES AND ELBOWS
One trend that has been making waves recently is the exaggerated sleeves and exposed elbows. This subtle yet powerful detail adds an element of allure and sophistication to the overall look. What makes this trend even more exciting is its versatility. From casual everyday outfits to glamorous evening ensembles, they can be incorporated into any outfit equation. These exaggerated sleeves, whether voluminous and billowy or structured and avant-garde, add a touch of drama to any outfit.