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WATCH: Chanel, Valentino, Sonia Rykiel - those are only a few of the inspiring designer runways that we had luxury and style expert, Susan Tabak, cover for Style Republic Magazine. When it comes to Parisian style, very few can say that they know 'designer' as well as Tabak. That being said, it only made sense that we recruit the acclaimed fashionista to take our readers inside the hautest shows, and behind-the-scenes for the season's most anticipated collections. 
Paris Fashion Week just wrapped, and I attended a record number of pręt-ŕ-porter presentations. This trip was especially inspiring for me – not only did I see the big name fashion houses I love and admire, but I added several emerging designers to my schedule as well. - I spotted a few recurring looks throughout the week – capes seem to be a trend, strong boots are still in -- but, really, there was something for everyone at the Fall 2010 shows… - I started the week off with two up-and-comers: Anthony Vaccarello and Harry Halim. Anthony’s collection, albeit small, was strong and sexy – all black, very tight-fitting, lots of geometric fabric cut-outs. Kind of a cross between Herve Leger and Azzedine Alaďa. Harry’s look was more futuristic, incorporating silver lamé, studding, and dramatic angular cuts in his skirts. - My first major show of the week was Balmain, where Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” roared as models hit the runway in tight mini-dresses and slim pants with sharp tailored jackets. It was opulent rock’n’roll – and I thought it was amazing. Dior didn’t stray far from familiar territory either - John Galliano continued his equestrian theme from Haute Couture. The leather capes and jackets in this collection were delicious – so light, such unusual colors in chocolate and aubergine. I really liked how the chiffon dresses here were played against heavier fabrics and boots – airy transparent frills versus suede and leather.  
Akris and Sonia Rykiel – though very different – maintained their signature stamps, too. Akris is rich materials and understated chic -- Sonia Rykiel is oversize knits and quirky Parisian charm. - The only thing you can predict from Givenchy, on the other hand, is that Riccardo Tisci’s clothes will be modern and strong. Where the influences will come from and what the new look will be is always a discovery. He told me he was inspired by scuba diving and alpine skiing this season. The unzipped scuba look in the pants and skirts was unexpected and cool.  
- John Galliano and Wunderkind stood out for their layered nomadic collections, but I think Chanel and Lanvin could be the most memorable. Karl Lagerfeld outdid himself, even by his own standards. Guests arrived at the Grand Palais to find a gigantic white box inside. You knew there had to be something underneath it – in fact, I had been tipped off the night before that there would be an iceberg set at the show. But when the box mechanically rose as the presentation began, it was amazing just the same. Truly out of this world. Watching the models slosh through the water wearing these sublime winter white dresses made me feel like I was inside an arctic fairytale. At Lanvin, Alber Elbaz led with chic one-shouldered sculptured dresses and voluminous coats. But then the pace of the show began to quicken. Drums were beating, a crescendo was building, the excitement was beyond. Shimmering short dresses covered in jewels, feathers, and all sorts of colorful embellishments came down the runway – they were to-die-for. Totally spectacular. - I made some exciting fashion discoveries throughout the week, too. A friend told me about a brand called Trash-Couture and I made arrangements to visit them between shows. I walked into this little French apartment in the Marais – and entered a world of magic. They handcraft one-of-a-kind pieces – using recycled fabrics, vintage lace, semi-precious stones and other sustainable details – to create pure beauty. I visited Rainbow Wave showroom for the first time – they rep lots of great emerging designers like Marios Schwab and Peter Pilotto. And I attended the Guy Laroche presentation – another first. It was a sensual, chic collection - Marcel Marongiu has breathed new life into this brand. - It was a dizzying week (I didn’t even mention the parties, like the launch of Vogue Turkey at the Crillon or the sublime Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the Petite Palais!!), but as a fashion lover, I wouldn’t have it any other way. These shows inspire me to explore my own style. Every designer offered something different – from boho chic to rock’n’roll glam to conservative elegance. I say find what works for you -- and wear it with confidence.
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