2011 fashion week

For Yves Saint Laurent's Fall collection, Stefano Pilati stayed true to the brand's elegant aesthetic — with the perfect hint of sex appeal. Sheer details, feather trim, and patent lend playful accents to impeccably tailored black and white checkered suits. It's an effortless mix of easy separates, looser silhouettes in oversize blazers and wide-leg trousers; then the more luxe — a patent vest, a fur coat and oversize fur sleeves, fantastic, silky white dresses, and jumpsuits for evening. It's luxurious and still accessible; strong femininity that's both Parisian-chic and '70s glamorous.

• Trends: Feathers, graphic print, fur, menswear.
• Colors: Gray, white, black, a pop of purple and blue.
• Key Looks: White, halter-style dress with sheer inset and metallic sandals, double-breasted purple jacket and feather-trim skirt.
• Accessories: Cutout open-toe booties, lace-up knee-high boots, tassel-adorned pumps, chain belts.
• Who Would Wear It: Easy-glam types who crave sophistication without compromising sex appeal.

Source: Catwalking

Karl Lagerfeld has gone crazy for jumpsuits for the latest Chanel collection in a variety of fits, all with statement pockets. A drawbridge opened at either end of the catwalk, which was surrounded by tons of charcoal and lumps of smoking black rock. There was an apocalyptic feel to the collection, which was mainly produced from a dark colour palette. Dresses were generally maxi length and produced from sensual fabrics like lace and tulle. There were long capes and boxy jackets, and even the most feminine pieces were given edge with applique and leather panels.

• Trends: Jumpsuits, monochrome.
• Colours: Black, grey, white, red.
• Key Looks: Quilted black jumpsuit.
• Accessories: Midi heels, small clutch bags, lace gloves, chain and leather handbags.
• Who Would Wear It: Women who want an elegant rock-chic wardrobe with a tailored edge.

It's safe to say Hannah MacGibbon kicked rumors — that her contract is up after this season — to the curb after showing an ultra-chic '70s-inspired collection for Chloé today in Paris. Staying true to her signature throwback aesthetic, the designer upped the ante for Fall with a heavy helping of python prints made into diaphanous silk dresses, maxi dresses, wispy blouses, skirts — some even dyed a vibrant jade hue — and more structured pieces via sheath dresses and trench coats. For those who aren't privy to all of the hissing, MacGibbon broke up the reptilian theme with a colorful collage of colorblocked ponchos and skirts along with denim skirts and wide-leg leather trousers injecting a vibrant touch to the collection. And if you're looking for the ultimate statement piece, check out those cool leather dungarees.

• Trends: '70s, reptilian prints, colorblocking.
• Colors: Ecru, brown, jade, mustard yellow.
• Key Looks: Silk python print dress, colorblock poncho.
• Accessories: Oversized hobo bags, platform boots.
• Who Would Wear It: Women looking for chic pieces with a twist.

As always, it was a family affair at Stella McCartney this morning as even Natalia Vodianova brought her children to the front row. The show notes stated, "to all my babies, husband, family and team. They rule!" It was a typical McCartney collection with sharp tailoring and glamorous yet fun party dresses. The colour palette was minimal using monochrome with the occasional blue and gold pieces (similar to Gareth Pugh). There were sheer trompe d'oeil aspects giving a sensual edge and applique paillettes. The whole collection felt more grown up than previous seasons with edgy elements including rigid shapes, voluminous dresses, and dropped shoulders.

• Trends: Sharp tailoring, monochrome, voluminous silhouette.
• Colours: White, black, blue, and gold.
• Key Looks: Little black cocktail dress with trompe d'oeil cutout detail.
• Accessories: Loafers, ankle boots, and sleek clutches.
• Who Would Wear It: Glamorous women who like to play with silhouette.

Blake Lively was yet again guest of honour at a Chanel dinner this weekend. After the NYC bash last month, this do was held on Saturday as part of Paris Fashion Week. Blake is the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle bags, and today we've been given our first look at her ad campaign. The actress, who took in the shows at New York Fashion Week, cuddled up to Florence Welch, who was also front row at Givenchy. Other guests at the dinner included Blake's parents Ernie and Elaine plus Anna Wintour. The Gossip Girl star went shoe shopping with Christian Louboutin earlier in the day, before heading back to NYC to film the show's finale.

Kate Moss wore a wide-brimmed hat as she arrived at the Ritz in Paris yesterday, before heading out to l'Arc for the Givenchy aftershow party. The model, who stars in a just-released short film for Longchamp, attended the Paris Fashion Week bash alongside Florence Welch, Nicole Richie, Karen Elson, and Liv Tyler: FabUK wants to know who was best dressed? Kate was out and about in London last week, apparently advising John Galliano to go to rehab, and figuring out how to sell her house. It isn't selling despite being on the market for £1million less than she paid for it in 2007.

A big willow tree stood at the beginning of the Lanvin runway, a sign that Alber Elbaz was all about roots. When it comes to Lanvin that means sharp tailoring and clothes that celebrate a woman's love for femininity and fun. Elbaz delivered both in a show that began soberly and ended on a ripe, color-filled note. First, the tailoring. Models emerged in carefully oversized, boxy wool coats and capes, and wide-brimmed pilgrims' hats with menswear shoes and prim bags. Then the silhouette softened, into graceful silk one-shoulder dresses and gowns. Elbaz began to play with silhouettes, moving from boxy minimalism to figure-hugging curves, sometimes combining them, and releasing looks with volume and structure. Finally, it became party time, and we got a fruity roll of classic Lanvin dresses in yellow, pink, red, burgundy, with that precise drape that makes Alber's designs so covetable.

• Trends: Draping, minimalism, boxy silhouettes, '70s.
• Colours: Yellow, black, navy, red, fuchsia, burgundy, peach, mauve, tan.
• Key Looks: The bright and fruity cocktail dresses at the end. .
• Accessories: Amazing deco statement necklaces, pilgrim hats, loafers.
• Who Would Wear It: Ultra chic girls who love to indulge their flirty side at night.