Paris Journal
Calling all cool girls: Isabel Marant rocks with playful Elvis-inspiredcollection
Low-slung trouser with studded belt in signature red leatherPhoto by Alessandro Lucioni
Bright red embroidery pops on prints.Photo by Alessandro Lucioni
'50s-style bathing suitPhoto by Alessandro Lucioni
Bohemian-style paisley printsPhoto by Alessandro Lucioni
PARIS — If Isabel Marant knows one thing for sure, it is definitely cool. Just days before her spring 2013 collection came stomping down the runway at the Couvent de Cordeliers, she was racing away from her new store opening on the Left Bank on her scooter, clad in her cool girl leather jacket with a cigarette hanging from her lips.
A few days later, as I am standing outside of the old convent in Paris among models and editors alike all dressed in her fall 2012 western-inspired wear, I can see Isabel cruise by in her cropped leather skinnies casually smoking a cigarette.
She is smiling, no sign of anxiety or nerves even slightly visible.
I, for one, am part of the cult, and will be investing in a few stand-out pieces from this collection like I did the last.
I can see why; her spring collection possesses the same laid back, casual cool vibe as her previous one, yet makes it’s departure with a girly playfulness that can’t help but make you smile.
Inspired by Elvis in Hawaii and Las Vegas with a bit of Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez, the pieces translated to Hawaiian and paisley-printed minis and rompers, '50s-style bathing suits and her signature low-slung trousers.
The blue-and-white Hawaiian prints are popped with bright red embroidery, and the accessories — studded leather belts and sandals — are reminiscent of Elvis’s studded white bell bottoms in his Las Vegas days. Next come the pink-and-orange bohemian style paisley prints, in silk separates with her signature cropped jackets and hip hugging skirts. Some of the trousers and tops have the same western inspired lace up ties we saw last season, again with her signature red leather.
It will be most interesting to see how the devout Isabel Marant followers will interpret the bathing suits, which she seems to be showing more as ready-to-wear than beach specific.
Though some critique the designer for being repetitive, I think she is staying true to her roots with a fresh take on signature staples. I, for one, am part of the cult, and will be investing in a few stand-out pieces from this collection like I did the last.
Lindley Arnoldy writes the fashion and style blog The Flip Side.
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