Hair-Hatted Models

The Manish Arora F/W 2011 collection showed yesterday as part of Paris Fashion Week. The show's venue in the Marais was full of eye candy in the form of colorful garb. Vibrant colors and crazy accessories adorned the celebrities, editors and fans that had come to view the collection. Once inside the the venue with the crowd, the excitement of the show was obvious through the paparazzi snapping photos and fashionistas double cheek kissing acquaintances. Usually at Paris fashion week shows there is a sea of black outfits through the crowds. Most people at this show traded in the usual look for bright, energetic colored attire. Kayne West was sitting in the front row, also in a brightly colored red leather jacket and trademark gold accessories.

Magician Benjamin Dukhan began the show with an empty metal cage that was placed in the middle of the catwalk. Covered with a cape, he tapped the cage with a flaming torch and a model appeared inside. Stepping out of the cage was quite a feat in five inch heels and a tight dress. After making it down the runway, the other models followed suit, adorned in Swarovski crystals and heavy embellishment. A combination of lamé fabrics and funky patchwork prints paired with crystal body armor created an almost magical presence in the clothes themselves. The clothes paired with the makeup style and hair added a definite Asian feel to the show.

A beautiful floor-length ballgown cut like a paper snowflake created a delicate, unique piece in the collection. Following the cutout dress, the pattern could be seen coming down the runway, printed on a full body catsuit and dress.

The shoes and boots were completely covered in Swarovski crystals created a glittering effect that played off the clothes. Shoes heavily embroidered and adorned with mirrorwork were also paired with the vibrant clothing.

The Manish Arora F/W 2011 collection was a colorful expression of interpretations to Indian and Asian cultures. The patterns and colors used made a unique collection compared to the previous minimalistic shows earlier in Paris Fashion Week. Manish Arora was recently appointed artistic director at Paco Rabanne. The fashion industry is now anxious to see what the over-the-top designer (just look at the hair hats walking down his Fall runway) has in store and how he plans to revive the iconic brand.