Paris: Victoria’s Secret models light up Dior runway and more

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Victoria’s Secret models Miranda Kerr (at left) and Karolina Kurkova (leading the pack, above) walked in Christian Dior’s show in Paris on Friday, to the delight of their fans, as did Dior face Karlie Kloss. But critics found the collection to be a bit dull, absent the inspiration of former creative director John Galliano. [The Cut]

The clothes in Dior’s spring-summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection were ladylike, perhaps uber-feminine with exaggerated hips and nipped in waists. Bill Gaytten, the designer in charge until a permanent replacement is named for Galliano, did ‘a restrained job,’ the New York Times said, using shades of cream, gray, pale blue and the ubiquitous black and white. There were a few pops of poppy, too, a color that showed up as an accent in several other collections, as well.

Roland Mouret showed another ladylike collection, which seemed inspired by summer vacations circa 1940. Skirts and dresses were livened up and brought into this century with touches like banding around the body, peekaboo midriffs (both shown in the flirty dress below) and unexpected graphics. (A heavily-lashed eye appeared on several garments ... looking to me, at least, rather like a spider running amok.) There were also pencil skirts, slouchy trousers and tailored shorts. [Telegraph]

PHOTOS: Paris Fashion Week highlights

Also on Friday, at Paris Fashion Week:

Hussein Chalayan showed loose, flowy clothes in neutrals and pops of color, below. The models sipped champagne, served to them at the end of the runway by Chalayan, dressed as a waiter.

Isabel Marant went for a more casual look, with a new take on some familiar patches and prints, below, chunky sweaters and lots of color.

Alber Elbaz’s collection for Lanvin showed a sense of strength, with big shoulders, pencil-thin skirts (below).

And Maison Martin Margiela put out capes that looked like Saran Wrap on models who probably couldn’t see where they were going with all the hair styled to cover their faces.

-- Susan Denley

Photos, from top: Karolina Kurkova leads a parade of models as Dior shows its spring-summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Miranda Kerr also appeared in the Dior show. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Binding and a peekaboo midriff on Roland Mouret’s catwalk. Credit: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images

Models sip champagne in the background at Hussein Chalayan’s show. Credit: Laurent Cipriani /Associated Press

A colorful print and patched pants for a casual look at Isabel Marant. Credit: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images

A strong look from Lanvin. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Saran Wrap and odd hair at Maison Martin Margiela. Credit: Pierre Verdy / AFP/ Getty Images

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