Paris Fashion Week Recap: Valentino’s Monochrome Collection
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Monochromatic style isn’t new to the fashion industry, and Paris Fashion Week has just proven that monochrome is here to stay. Wearing one color can create an artistic illusion, relying more on texture rather than color to accentuate features and create shadows. Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 was full of monochrome collections, so let’s take a look at a few of the best monochrome moments!
Image Courtesy: Bustle
Valentino has just predicted that this retina-vibrating fuchsia color is the color of the coming season. The “Valentino Pink PP Collection” was a monochromatic dream, featuring a vivid fuchsia venue to match the apparel as the models made their catwalks. According to Vogue, designer Pierpaolo Piccioli chose to showcase this monochromatic look “to remove distractions and concentrate the viewers’ eyes on distinguishing the differences between silhouette and detail.”
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Monochrome on a runway relies heavily on the use of different textures, fabrics, and styles. This collection featured all pink opera coats, tailored suits, bubble dresses, narrow tabards, and chunky sneakers! The chunky platform shoes are a common aspect of monochrome looks. According to Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, “Everything seems to be steeped in this color, to the point I felt the need to stretch the silhouette, to work vertically, always with this idea of suspension.”
Image Courtesy: Vogue
After 40 all-pink silhouettes, the collection took a sudden and powerful switch to all black. This all-black collection showed off more modern looks, featuring lace tops and twisted tulle. The collection alternates between short outfits with precise necklines and long, loose outfits featuring trench coats and trains, showcasing more flowing lines.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Valentino wasn’t the only designer brand that played with monochrome this season. Givenchy was also caught crafting some monochromatic runway looks. Givenchy’s creative director Matthew M. Williams wanted to give their monochrome looks more of an everyday edgy look featuring thigh-high boots, band t-shirts, leather leggings, and baseball caps. The collection was mostly designed with dark green and black and was mainly streetwear-focused wardrobe, with layered looks and baggy clothing.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Monochrome looks can also feature various tones of the same color. Givenchy showcased a beautiful blue-green look that classifies as monochrome. The different shades create natural-looking shadows that accentuate a look without drastic color changes. This use of monochrome can help create a smoother look that focuses more on texture, shape, and cuts.
Balenciaga is not new to the monochrome trend. The designer brand is known for its ‘out of this world’ looks featuring futuristic one-piece suits, accessorized with sunglasses and chunky sneakers. Balenciaga showcased numerous monochromatic looks that carried heavy messages at this season’s Paris Fashion Week.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
The stage was presented as a post-apocalyptic snowstorm where some models were prepared with fur coats and leather pants, while others walked the runway in underwear and sneakers. The last two looks of the Balenciaga collection featured a yellow monochrome tracksuit, as well as a blue asymmetric dress. These looks symbolized the Ukrainian flag, which is blue and yellow, to spread love to Ukraine due to recent events.
Image Courtesy: Strike Tallahassee
Monochrome fashion helps draw the eye away from the distractions of color and focus more on the detailing of the clothing. Different textures, fabrics, cuts, and accessories can all be more easily recognized while sporting monochrome looks. This Spring/Summer 2022 season, Paris Fashion Week has proven that monochrome fashion is here to stay!
Strike Out,
Writer: Sara Vigne
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Graphic Designer: Katie Esguerra
Tallahassee