Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2013 is in full spring and here are some of the first trends being spotted at the shows.

1. Fringe
Adds a Boho nonchalance to elegant shapes. Short tassel fringe is used to give dimension to miniskirts and sweaters, while long silky strands ornament hems or are sewn at necklines, where they provide a “built-in” jewelry look. The colors for this trend are a lot of neutrals as well as dark, bold colors as well as a few metallics.

2. Boho Hobo
Continuing with the Boho trend we are seeing Patchworked plaids, oversized jackets and clownish pants. Some tailored looks conjure Charlie Chaplin’s “little tramp” while others have dresses that seem pasted with discarded posters. With this trend we are seeing pops of blue and red though the overall palette consists of black, dark greys and blues.

3. The "It" Coat
Looking back to Pre-Fall 2013 trends we saw the XL colossal coat and here it is now as the must have object of desire. Some of the best for Fall 2013 are tailored woolen styles. While the shapes are relatively classic (double-breasted and to the knee or below) the specialness comes from gentle color, widened lapels, soft shoulders, blanket stripes or placed embroideries.

4. Pure Pigment
Vivid, saturated colors are making an impact on Paris F/W 13 runways. The hues conjure up painter’s pigments — cadmium yellow, ochre, alizarin crimson, thalo green — and are worked with each other or against neutrals like black or camel, giving classic Fall shapes a happy makeover.

5. Raw Couture
The Haute Couture, with its rarefied aura, precise tailoring, handcrafted details and impossible swoops of fabric, is impacting Paris ready-to-wear this season. Its influence is felt in asymmetric draped details, ladylike gathers, and floor-sweeping sashes, but raw edges, denim and an un-precious attitude keep it all down to earth.

Image credit to Stylesight.com

Looking back to Women's RTW Spring 2013 in Paris, we saw a lot of transparent layers with a plastic sheen. These glazed or iridescent chiffon's created the impression of colored cellophane.

In Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo for Spring 2013 we saw similar looks with transparent layers and cellophane like materials. Though these looks are brighter and more colorful compared to Paris.

Moving forward, looking at textiles trending for 2014 we are seeing metallic and pearlescent surfaces in linens, cottons and jerseys. All of these textile trends come from Premiere Vision Apparel Fabric Sourcing Show in Paris. (February 2013)

And in knits we are seeing a continuation of metallic yarns

As well as some coated knits that are lighter in weight and more feminine.

Another trend in textiles is that metallic fabrics are embracing the colors, shine and surfaces of candy stores, some using transparent fabrics.

So while we may not be seeing a lot of cellophane-like, completely translucent materials being manufactured for 2014 they will have evolved to being less translucent with more of a metallic, iridescent finish and less of a plastic-y look.

Image credit goes to Stylesight.com

Chloe- St Honore
Image credit to http://chameleonvisual.blogspot.be/2013/01/chloe-official-opening-windows-st.html

This particular Chloe window display was inspired from the Chloe Alphabet movie "Joy" with 1970's runway sets and twirling models. The giant neon edge fan is modernized and fills the space along side the mannequins on suspended turntables which spin slowly in the windows creating the movement.

Creative: Chameleon Visual
Production & Installation: Chameleon Visual
Photography: Melvyn Vincent

Miu Miu- Rue Saint Honoré
Image credit to http://parisinfourmonths.com/

Miu Miu gives off an elegant, vintage vibe for their window displays using matching furniture and wallpaper to set the clothing apart. They used a lot of deep reds and almost translucent mannequins to bring the clothing forward,

Chanel- Rue Saint Honoré
Image credit to http://parisinfourmonths.com/

Chanel used bright colors with a mix of old and new world styles. You can see hints of elaborate hair pieces and furniture (More images in the accessories page). The vibe seems to be feminine, sophisticated yet casual because if you look on the accessories page, things are flung about

Lanvin
Image credit to http://pinterest.com/aleredtulip/visual-merchandising-window-display/

If it isn't obvious already, STRIPES are the main theme for Lanvin. Black and white horizontal stripes as well as some two tone reds. It feels almost like camouflage with the matching backgrounds as well as a sense of playfulness by the way the mannequins are standing and the use of the matching dog mannequins.

Image credit to http://parisinfourmonths.com/

Kenzo- 60 rue de Rennes, Paris 6ème
Image credit to http://pinterest.com/aleredtulip/visual-merchandising-window-display/

This particular Kenzo display has a tropical, futuristic look with the bright tropical colors and the use of the graphic background. It's very casual with the silhouettes of the clothing and I think it is more about the color than shape. 

Kenzo- 16 boulevard Raspail, Paris 7ème
Image credit to http://www.endevanture.com/

This Kenzo window display is way more elegant than the previous. Stripes are also a them like Lanvin except they are vertical. The elegance comes from the choices of clothing used on the mannequins, using evening gowns and men in suits. There is still a little bit of playfulness to the display with the use of the animal design in the back and the creative use of all the mirrors.

Ralph Lauren- 173 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6ème
Image credit to http://www.endevanture.com/

Ralph Laurens displays definitely look like a day at the beach resort. Using an architectural display gives a better idea of where these clothes can be worn. Using the all white backgrounds help to move the clothing forward and there is a playful yet sexy vibe. The colors giveit a more playful look while the poses and the clothing itself give it a sexier feel.

All images credit to stylesight.com

1. The Big Sweater

Supersized shapes are knitted in chunky yarns . Sleeves are a bit too long with rounded shapes with full sleeves. Raglan or dropped shoulder constructions. Marled yarns, stripes or cables add surface interest

2. The Audrey Blouse

Simple pull-over tops emulate Audrey Hepburn’s timeless chic. Boxy silhouettes feature boat or funnel necks. Quarter-length sleeves are key. White or ivory are classic, while geometric florals look modern

3. The Hourglass Dress

Silhouettes have a molded appearance. Volume added to hips for extra curvy shape. Dense fabrics maintain form. Lustrous silk, satin and velvet add rich texture

4. The Creased Pant

Sharp center creases emphasize length and shape of tailored pants. Tapered pants have a subtle curve. Crisp folds elongate the silhouette and draw the eye downward. Firm wool blends work best

5. The Schoolgirl Suit

Little skirt suits recall Parisian schoolgirls of the 1950s. Little tailored jackets and pleated minis define the look. Grey and dark blue reference school uniforms. Pair with a simple button-front shirt.

6. The XL Coat

Boxy or cocoon-like silhouettes feature jumbo proportions. Fits have an intentional “too big” appearance. Dense woolens maintain buoyant shapes. Oversized collars add to the effect

All images are credited to Stylesight.com

1. The Second Skin Knit

Super snug knits act as a second skin and bodysuits keep silhouettes smooth. Ultra-fine, stretch knits are essential — ribbed or slightly sheer. Long sleeves and mock turtles are classic, while cutouts and asymmetric effects make it modern

2. The Soignee Sweatshirt

The sweatshirt gains sophistication. Firm knits maintain rounds or boxy shapes. Sloped shoulders recall the work of Cristobal Balenciaga. Tailored welt pockets elevate the item and short or bracelet-length sleeves are key.

3. The Everyday Peplum

The peplum top pares down. Sporty knit versions are fresh. Strapless or one-shoulder neckline is essential this season. Gathered at the waist for a flirty, full skirt effect. Godets create a subtle flared shape on a tailored tube.

4. The Frothy Top

Frothy blouses evoke whipped confections. Diaphanous sheers are key. Mille feuille ruffles and dense flower appliqué feel sweetly girlish. Shapes are full and floaty. Peplums and gathering create weightless dimension

5. The Cocktail Tunic

Cocktails dresses are lopped off mid-thigh, making for a new hybrid item. Evening fabrics — taffeta, duchesse satin, silk chiffon are most popular with tunic or peplum silhouettes. Strapless or off-shoulder necklines are key. Rich dimension is created with drapery. 

6. The Strapless Dress

Strapless dresses take on a variety of fresh silhouettes. Slim columns, molded hourglasses, rounded sacks and full babydolls as well as flat, 2-D looks emerge. Pleated fabrics lend easy fluidity. Soft and simple or structured and tailored looks for day or evening. 

7. The Column Skirt

Key to this season’s elongated silhouette. Button-front styles offer movement, and reveal a flash of leg. Tailored straight skirts evoke vintage elegance. Sheer versions work layered over pant. 

8. The Asymmetric Skirt

The asymmetric skirt evolves with heightened angles and new placements. Deep cutaways and extreme high-low hems reveal the upper thigh with structured or fluid silhouettes, wrapped effects and square, handkerchief hemlines. Sheer underlayers look fresh. 

9. The A-line Short

This season shorts emulate skirts with full, A-line shapes both soft or structured. Pleated insets offer movement and fullness. Wrapped effects elevate the casual item

10. The Jumbo Pant

The must-have wide leg pant continues with even more volume. Floor-sweeping lengths are key. Fluid and slightly cropped with crisp bottomweights or billowy silks. Godets create a maxi skirt effect. Paperbag waist reins in fullness. 

11.. The Draped Pant

Draping gives pants a slouchy elegance. Skirt-over-pants effects. Wrapped, sarong-style closures. Silky, fluid materials are essential. Draped bow detail or soft knots emphasize feminine fee. 

12. The Tailored Jumpsuit

Clean, tailored jumpsuits look refined. Simple silhouettes feature minimal detail. Fits are slim or easy. Two-tone blocking creates a two-piece effect. A modern alternative to daytime suits or evening dresses. 

13. The Square Suit

Suits feature precisely squared shoulders. Boxy silhouettes are cropped or slightly elongated. The sleeveless jacket is a S/S 13 must-have. Extended or upturned shoulder pads emphasize the shape. 

14. The Cropped Jacket

Shrunken proportions are key for jackets this season. Sharp tuxedo styles are lopped off at the waist for 18th-century "spencer" effect. Tailored silhouettes are shrunken and ultra-cropped moto and jean jackets hit just-below the bustline. 

15. The Slouchy Robe

Lightweight robes emerge as an alluring top layer. Silky and sheer fabrics lend a boudoir feel. Classic full-length bathrobe styles with shawl collar and cuffed sleeves or shorter, rounded silhouettes evoke Mid-century housedresses.