Sunday was a big day in Paris, and not just for Fashion Week. The launch of the Electric Car. A nippier way to get around Paris without polluting the city. Easy to hire - like the bikes. It was also La Nuit Blanche, an all-nighter where Parisians sample art, dance, and theatre through the night until dawn.
The fashion world, however, was hungover from the Diesel party and Kanye West frenzy.
In fact, Fashion Week Boredom had well and truly struck - a couple of magazine girlies were overheard moaning about having to go to "another show" and the hot weather had totally screwed up their wardrobe. They seemed more interested in fixing their dinner reservations than fashion - big dilemma whether to go to Societe or Hotel Costes - they obviously did not realise they are both owned by the same company. It felt like the low day of the week. Note to designers: the Sunday slot is not always the best one.
Today's hot line up was Kenzo, Galliano, Hermes and Givenchy.
The Hermes show is always a highlight and a personal favourite - one of the only designers to still make clothes in France.
It does not rely on glamourbuzz, rather the clothes tell their own story. It lived up to every expectation - its grace had the effect of cooling down the frayed nerves of impatient front rowers. Of course the champagne and freshly squeezed juices got the show off to a great start.
Everything oozed elegance and class. The models catwalked at a much slower pace, gliding like swans. Rather than the usual strutt-y, show-off-y walk.
The colours began with white and got brighter to burnt orange then darker to black. Every garment was a must-have -- especially the orange shirt dress. And to go with it of course the yummiest accessories - bijou purses and canvas bags (roomy enough for an iPad). They also played a track that has been dubbed THE hit of Fashion Week - "Forever Dolphin Love" by Connan Mockasin.
The celebs of the day were, however, at Kenzo and then Givenchy. Chloe Sevigny made a surprise entrance on the Kenzo runway as did Jason Schwartzman. Joey Starr, Liv Tyler, Jared Leto and Kanye West all rocked up to Givenchy.
It was then time for Tod's soiree at the Italian Embassy - hosted by the ambassador himself. A very suave Italian crowd was there. DSquared also with lots freebies held the hype-y party later at the Ritz.
Motto of the day, in fact of the week, is that hype does not mean talent and talent wins every time.