All runway images courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

It has become my tradition to start off Paris Fashion Week by attending
Nicolas Andreas Taralis’ show. The Toronto-born designer chose a parking garage in Le Marais as the setting for his Japan-meets-sci-fi outing. The looks reflected his signature hand-tailored layered finesse, but the zipper detailing on pants and jackets introduced an unexpected sporty twist. The aluminum-foil coat—the only metallic pop in the mainly black-and-white parade—was the most obvious space-age reference. My favourite piece was the men’s jacket below: monkish aesthetic + sensual fluidity gets me every time.
Next stop: Backstage at Gareth Pugh.

The Gregorian-chant soundtrack at
Taralis put me in the mood for the heavily incensed scene at Pugh’s show, which was held at the Palais de Tokyo. (Note to self: Bring inhaler next time!) Backstage, M.A.C makeup artist Alex Box created mournful-looking reddened eyes to reflect Pugh’s tortured and heartbroken muse. It was Box’s first show since giving birth to her baby boy nine weeks ago, and it—like her makeup—was an emotional experience. “I’ve been crying for months!” she said. “Here I am doing what I love, and then I can look over and see the one I love.” Her little fella was backstage, but he was blissfully unaware of the madness around him. “I want whatever he’s on,” I told Box. “Sorry, but I’m not going to breastfeed you!” she laughed.
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