Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012: Isabel Marant

While most designers look for inspirational ideas in exotic locations or eccentric concepts, Parisian designer Isabel Marant loves the good ol’ U.S.A. In the past few collections, Marant has embraced Americana with themes including Native Americans and slouchy football jerseys. For Fall 2012, she continued her love for the red, white and blue with a Western cowgirl scheme. The Wild West may be no stranger to the runway, but this time around it finds a cool dimension between edgy and girly through Marant’s effortless aesthetic.

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It was not a presentation of clichés at Paris Fashion Week. In fact, there wasn’t a cowboy hat in sight. Marant reinterpreted the notion of Western with slim, fitted lines, body-conscious silhouettes and cropped denim skinnies that didn’t dare venture near the traditional blues. Instead, she opted for jeans and trousers in red or blush pink denim and suedes, navy velvet and black. Cowgirl styling was emphasized with feminine qualities seen in ruffled white lace minidresses, doily blouses and laser-cut bodycons in leather or suede. Western characteristics were not lost as Marant incorporated fringe pants and tunics, floral embroidery and concho adornments.

The sweet ensembles were contrasted with slightly more masculine options of yoke front western shirts and even a re-imagined silk bomber version that will undoubtedly be a bestseller. Military influences were blended in with duster coats and buttoned uniform tops.

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Rounding out the theme were cowboy boots and pumps with a Western flair. The wide-shaft over-the-ankle boots featured complex embroidered details, metal embellished belts and a pointed toe, and will most likely sell as well as the previous Fall’s fringe wedge boots. Pumps in maryjane silhouettes and ankle-strap options displayed contrasting patterns or nail-studded designs.

While the collection will surely please Marant fans, they might be even more excited about her second U.S. store that will be opening this September on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Maybe that’s why she went with the Wild West theme.

This article was contributed by Annette Tang of the VersaStyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.