From larger-than-life shows such as Chanel and Thom Browne, to something more intimate like a dinner with legendary designer Azzedine Alaia, Hong Kong Tatler fashion director Justine Lee takes us around Paris during the last two days of Paris Fashion Week
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Above Dinner with Matches Fashion, Alexander Fury and Chris Moore at La Perouse

Right off the plane, I head to the hotel to drop off my bags and straight to an intimate dinner with Matches Fashion in celebration of London-based journalist Alexander Fury’s book, Catwalking: Photographs by Chris Moore, which celebrates the fashion photographer’s work that spans over six decades. Notable guests in attendance included Matches Fashion founders Tom and Ruth Chapman, Azzedine Alaia, Mary Katratzou and Jonathan Saunders.

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Above The facade of Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild gets refreshed in pink

After dinner, Declan Chan, Tina Leung, Susie Bubble and I head to the Valentino party at Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild. A couple of drinks, some tunes and we head home to prepare for another full day of shows.

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Above Leaf Greener strikes a pose before the Sacai show

A quick coffee before this morning’s Sacai show. How cute are Leaf Greener’s daisy sunnies?

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Above A look from Sacai SS18

I started my first full day of shows with Sacai. Chitose Abe’s ability to mix-and-match, deconstruct and reconstruct is always a marvel. Some of my favourite looks from her this season come from her combinations of traditional men’s fabrics, Prince of Wales checks, pinstripe suiting materials as well as camouflage prints.

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Above Writing's on the boot for Christian Louboutin SS18

Christian Louboutin’s handwriting and sketches are front and centre this season. Loving this pair of thigh high boots covered in hearts, eyes and writings from Mr. Louboutin himself.

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Above Seeing red at Roger Vivier

Paint the town red in next season’s collection by Bruno Frisoni, Roger Vivier’s Creative Director. These soft leather pumps with an embossed logo and a curved heel top our SS18 wishlist.

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Above Summer knits from Hermès

Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski’s long and lean styles for Hermès are perfect for the warmer months. Who could resist the summer checks, soft palette, and glass statement earrings?

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Above Fresh Prince in Paris

Louis Vuitton celebrated the opening of their Place Vendome boutique the eve before their show. And to celebrate, the French atelier invited Jaden Smith, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff for a special performance. Jaden opened the show for his father, while Will Smith got the crowd dancing with his 90’s hits including "Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It", "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and even invited his two sons on stage as he sang "Just the Two of Us".

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Above Chasing waterfalls with Chanel

Theatrical sets at Chanel have become something expected. The invitation this season was a sketch by Karl Lagerfeld, which led guests wondering about this season’s stage. We arrived at the Grand Palais to a man-made set with cliffs, waterfalls and even a wooden bridge that served as the catwalk. Model-of-the-season, Kaia Gerber (daughter of Cindy Crawford), opened the show.

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Above Rain or shine, Chanel has got you covered

For those who wonder what to wear during Hong Kong's rainy season, look no further than Chanel SS18—transparent raincoats, capped-toe rain boots and even some chic rain hats will be all you need.

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Above Ballet beautiful at Moncler Gamme Rouge

Disco dancing in full effect at Moncler Gamme Rouge. The set was filled with LED screens, oversized disco balls and a wooden floor. Special performers kickstarted the show with a ballet-meets-hip hop routine, while the SS18 collection was filled with dance-ready references: legwarmers, tulle tutu’s, accented leotards and light-weight sports-friendly outerwear.

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Above Kaia Gerber has legs for days

Kaia Gerber makes another appearance at Miu Miu. This time in a trucker, jacket and jumpsuit combo with sporty neon socks.

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Above High time with Chanel

Having just shot Chanel’s Code Coco watch before departing to Europe, I was surprised to see this new addition to the collection. The stunning all-diamond watch bracelet is limited to only five pieces worldwide.

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Above A finale with a unicorn (set to the tunes from The Little Mermaid) at Thom Browne

This season, Thom Browne moved his women’s show from New York to Paris. The collection encapsulated some of our favourite fairy tales and childhood fantasies. The finale, a couture-quality ensemble in all white, came with a life-sized unicorn.

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Above Brocade opera coats styled with high-fashion trainers at Louis Vuitton

For the second season in a row, Louis Vuitton hosted their catwalk at the Louvre. The front row was a who’s who of Hollywood and the fashion industry. To get to my seat, I walked behind Catherine Deneuve, and even Cate Blanchett, Donna Bae, Rila Fukashima and Alicia Vikander at their seats. 

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Above With the legend himself

Naomi Campbell calls him Papa, and he rarely shows on schedule at Fashion Weeks. Azzedine Alaia is a designer that truly marches to the beat of his own drum. He hosted an intimate dinner for a select group of press from Hong Kong and China at his own kitchen right next door of his boutique on Rue de Moussy. 

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Above Ramesh and I at the Moynat showroom

A quick stop at the Moynat showroom before I head home. Ramesh, the label’s creative director, showed me some new styles, including this pyramid-shaped mini vanity. Other things to look forward to for SS18 include a few experiments by Ramesh on crocodile skins including Banana leaf prints on their classic Rejane bag, as well as some unconventional treatments of skins—dyed with indigo and even treated with rust. Stay tuned!

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