Recreating the Runway Part 03 - Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012

First, it was all about the work wear. Then it was the looks that would make people do a double-take. In this last installment of "Recreating the Runway: Paris Fashion Week" edition, it is about going out to special events or parties. Paris, not only being one of the fashion capitals, but also one of the meccas of the art world, delivers some of the more innovative and artistic clothes and stylings (while maintaining semblances of sophistication and class) suitable for a fun night out or for the clubs. Here are some of the memorable outfits and stylings that are worth adding to your closet or recreating.

Part 03: The Night Outs

When I first saw this look by Acne, I immediately thought this was the perfect outfit for a night out with friends, especially on a cold winter night.

The layering of the black sweater over the crisp white shirt is enough to keep one warm. The belt with the denim trim creates a unique drop-waist silhouette and it adds edginess and a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic look. Because there is additional volume due to the drop-waist, the proportion is balanced out by the fitted cropped pants.

For those who like to make a statement and are adventurous on their nights out, this outfit is for you:

The bold print and bright colors on these pants by Dries Van Noten will undoubtedly call attention to you. However, what I love about this outfit is the white shirt with what I like to call the built-in tie-pocket. There is an extra set of plackets that can be buttoned or unbuttoned to conceal or reveal the necktie. This would be one of the pieces that I would cherry-pick from the whole look.

If you are like me and would rather not attract as much stares and/or glares as the outfit above, this Agnes B look is for you.

Instead of a wild print for pants, it is instead a black relaxed-fit one. The look is made chic and sophisticated by pairing it with an eye-turning, electric red leather jacket that will get women to do a double-take.

If you would rather go simple, this Yves Saint Laurent outfit is perfect.

The high-collared sleeveless sweater with leather paneling is a fun and edgy accent to an otherwise understated look.

If clubbing is your type of scene, try this look by John Galliano:

The vest has enough sparkle to make you stand out on the dance floor.

As mentioned earlier, the looks in Paris tend to be more artistic, which often translates to exaggerated. Here are three looks that would be perfect for a night out, if there were tweaks done (Top: Both looks are by Thom Browne; Bottom: Rick Owens):

As over-the-top the styling of Thom Browne's looks are (mohawk, dark eyeshadow), those two looks are very fitting for a night out at a rock concert or an industrial party, with all the plaid and military details. (Commercially, if I was a buyer for a retailer, I would negotiate to have the two topcoats lose the spikes before I would consider selling it in a store.)

The bottom outfit by Rick Owens has it right with the futuristic, sleek, black, white, and gray motorcycle jacket. It is perfect for the night out as is. However, I would replace the billowy pants with a more slim-fitted denim. It would make the look more cohesive and less "What was he thinking wearing something that almost looks like a drapy skirt!?"

All-in-all, as is evident by the different types of looks, Parisian fashion houses are more daring and unconventional. Although there were some wearable looks, before becoming marketable, several pieces would need to be edited.

Next time, it will all be about menswear from New York fashion week, the heart of American fashion! In the meantime, stay tuned for my reviews of some of the runway shows worth watching...