Chanel and Saint Laurent catwalk and eyewear trends

It feels like real-life and fashion temperatures are moving in tandem right now. As we have enjoyed a warm start to the season, it feels odd to start your Christmas shopping wearing lighter layers. And just as we were starting to think about winter, along came Paris Fashion Week, showing Spring/Summer 2024 styles.

The days of heavy coats and suits shown for winter, and sundresses shown for summer are also behind us: designers simply present new collections, and viewers get to cherry-pick whatever they like. As style customers are often not in one place, and regularly holiday in hot spots, what designers choose to reveal is very different in 2023.

There is some good news, even for those of us who look to the catwalks for inspiration, without the major designer budget. Across all four Fashion Weeks the over-the-top aesthetic was long gone – luxurious neutrals are in, featuring beautiful fabrics, sharp tailoring and dialled-down accessories. And that’s good news for us, when we are looking to the High Street for our own investment purchases. Forget about the one-season wonder; it’s all about the many-season joy.

To make it easier to negotiate I took in the shows via Instagram live, and have selected some pieces which really mirror what I witnessed. However, when it comes to eyewear, the real deal is the only way forward. So it’s time to team some easier style-picks with seen-in-Paris sunglasses.

Bring on the Parisienne chic…

Virginie Viard at Chanel

Ever the hot ticket, Viard has made a name for herself as the Chanel designer who presents looks which are more about wardrobe choices than show-stopping moments. This is a label which has the most glamorous Brand Ambassadors on the planet, including the glorious Penelope Cruz, and the catwalk took lots of inspiration from classic Chanel high points, including lots of metallic tweed, beautifully printed silk shirts, floaty silk chiffons and some striking eyewear.

How can I start early on these Chanel looks?

LK Bennett x Ascot Collection Angelica Tweed Jacket and Skirt

at www.johnlewis.com

This wool rich black multi-blend suit has that signature tweed finish

LK Bennett x Ascot Collection Sonja Cream Silk Blouse

at www.johnlewis.com

The long collar, subtle print and jewelled buttons bring next season into now

Vincenzo Leather Colourblock Mary Jane Heels

at www.anthropologie.com

The Mary Jane is the shoe of the season, and the white toe cap is a fresh detail

& Other Stories Savoir Ruffle Top and Skirt

at www.andotherstories.com

When day becomes night, this beautiful chiffon twosome is party-ready

And now for the Chanel Eyewear…

The Chanel 5512 – these oversized rectangular frames are bathed in tweed detailed arms with that visible chain-effect trim and logo

The Chanel 5514 – are the cat’s eye version of this major trend, again with the tweed trim and chain detailing

The Chanel 5488 – steal a march on S/S 24 with the ultimate in luxury – rectangular shape, gilt detailing and luxury logo magic

Anthony Vaccerello at Saint Laurent

My favourite show across all four fashionable cities, Vaccerello did not disappoint with a dramatic outing under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower. As Demi Moore and Kate Moss perched on the Front Row, a sea of beautiful tailoring was a feast for the eyes. There were some trends which will be best shelved until next season, including the safari-inspired suits and jumpsuits, but the sharp-shoulders and striking mix of blacks, browns, and startling eyewear can be adopted right now.

How can I steal the YSL look now?

Cos Wool Blend Cape at www.cos.com

This wrapover cape style has an asymmetric vibe

The Elodie Long Leather Gloves (in chocolate) at www.corneliajames.com

The only gloves on the planet to match with your couture-inspired look, these are handmade in Italy of nappa leather, and feature 12 beautiful buttons. (Lady Gaga wears hers in black!)

And now for the Saint Laurent Eyewear…

The YSL M103 – the frame that hits every trend – cat’s eye frame with a rectangular edge and that angular arm

The YSL 400 – a rounder shape that reflects the Saint Laurent next season aesthetic

The theme that is going to be forever fashionable is preserving beloved wardrobe pieces, investing only in things you know will love and last, and the same can be said of eyewear. We know from talking to our clients that the ones who really, really love their specs invest not just in terms of a purchase, but also in TLC when it comes to caring for their optical and sunglasses. If you choose some really, really beautiful frames then you want them to last. And even if you retire them and rotate them for a while, when they make their return they need to be ready to launch.

That’s why the team at Blankstone have introduced GLOW UP YOUR GLASSES – when you purchase a new pair of optical or sunglasses, you can also bring a beloved pair of specs that you want to wear again, but need a bit of care and attention. Mark and the team will soon have your favourites glowed up and returned to glory, so that you can get real value from them.

This service is part of the practice’s commitment to its Practice Building Net Zero Optics Award, which was first delivered back in March this year. Over this season and into 2024 they will continue to work together in all areas of the business to move towards greater sustainability.

As for our winter wardrobes, it’s time to wear things you love and cherish them, only add when it is something special, because time, money and effort wasted on something cheerful that won’t last is never a good idea.

For style, eyewear and life, it’s always best to remember those famous words and make them your own. Repeat after me:

I am seriously, definitely, and undoubtedly worth it.

The Blankstone Chanel range can be found here:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/chanel/

The Blankstone Saint Laurent range is below:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/yves-saint-laurent/

This month’s Blankstone style blog is brought to you by our very own fashion reporter, Nancy-Buckland Kirk.

To follow Blankstone on Instagram go to:

https://www.instagram.com/blankstoneopticians/

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Images courtesy of Vogue Runway/Chanel/Saint Laurent/Demi Moore/COS/Me+Em/& Other Stories/Cornelia James/Anthropologie