Paris Fashion Week: Day 1

Feb. 27, 5p.m.

It’s only day one, but several of fall’s big trends have already landed in Paris. At Rochas, Marco Zanini has taken the season’s knee length skirt and blown it out, literally, into a swingy, mid-century flared stunner. The skirts stand out because they’re so full and heavy looking, like the sort of thing you find in vintage shops but rarely see anywhere else. Each time one descends down the staircase leading to the runway, I fantasise about owning it. But then a few seconds later I can’t help but wonder if such a luxuriously heavy looking skirt would feel, well, heavy? He’s also nailed the satin trend, manipulating everyone’s go-to wedding dress material into a beautifully constructed closing gown that epitomises quiet elegance. Even the casual day wear, such as a pair of gray silk pajamas, look polished and dressy, in that trademark understated Rochas way. As the models take their finale walk, the audience starts wolf-whistling and hurraying. The collection is that good.