Paris Fashion Week takes it's final bow for this season

On Saturday Hannah MacGibbon showed her first collection for Chloe. The British designer first worked at the label under Pheobe Philo and it was hoped she could sprinkle some of the magic Chloe enjoyed under Philo back in to the label. She went a long way to doing that with an 80's infused collection in a feminine palette of pink, cream and white. Scalloped edges on everything will surely appeal to the Chloe girl-on-th-go, as will the parade of covetable, new accessories.

Another designer intent on making everyone smile this weekend was Marc Jacobs with his collection for Louis Vuitton (pictured). MJ was less concerned with impending financial doom than some designers this season, and far more interested in simply fabulous, escapist looks for spring. Cue flippy skirts, structured jackets, ethnic statement heels, shiny mini trench coats and cheery polka dots. His bold, African inspired jewellery will doubtless spark a new high street trend for 2009.

And then of course there was ELLE favourite - Lanvin. This was a collection of quintessential Lanvin looks from one-shouldered, silk dresses to evening blouses, feminine trousers and a parade of stunning cocktail dresses updated for spring/summer 09 in popping bright colours like yellow, aqua, coral and fuchsia. Shoulders were more exaggerated than last season, reflecting what we have seen at the catwalks all month, and micro-mini sheath dresses had an early nineties feel, another trend set to explode next season.

And for Paris' final act Miuccia Prada managed to make thriftiness and austerity look chicer than ever. In contrast to autumn/ winter 08's super hero catsuits and sportswear, for spring 09 she used burlap, a fabric traditionally used to make sack cloth, in a simple, feminine and hugely wearable collection.

By Laurelle Gilbert

Posted: 6th October 2008