Scene Setting: It was, as usual, the Palais de Beaux-Arts in Paris’ Rive Gauche — the home of Madame Rykiel for her whole life and career — that the latest Sonia Rykiel show was held. For the occasion, the sculpture-filled building was customised with neon versions of the multicolour horizontal stripes that were dear to the French designer, and a larger-than-life screen was positioned at the end of the catwalk. A sense of expectation loomed through the venue... not surprising, given that this season marked the 50th anniversary of the brand and, judging by the festivities held ten years ago for the 40th anniversary (a multitude of other designers, including Martin Margiela, reinterpreted and reworked the house’s staples) there was no doubt about it, we were in for a treat.
Mood board: Sure enough, the show opened in true Sonia Rykiel style, with four brightly smiling models (a signature of Sonia’s shows, who often stressed that her work was all directed toward the happiness of women) clad in chubby Mongolian coats and boots. It was all about the joyous spirit of the Rykiel years, with happy models, catchy music and even a special appearance by the newly reformed band Bananarama.
Best in show: Even if it the show was an homage to Madame Rykiel’s heritage, the brand’s designer Julie de Libran couldn’t resist the temptation of inserting some of her own references through the years, taking inspiration from the post-punk and new-wave era, in the shape of leather miniskirts, perfectos and thigh-high, kitten heeled-boots which had a lovely whiff of French yé-yé years. It was complemented by plaid motifs, sequins and, of course, colourful stripes — and although a bit more colour would have been welcome — it was undoubtedly effective.
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designCreativity leaps the screen at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s record-flying roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
-
The modernist home of musician Imogen Holst gets Grade II listingThe daughter of the composer Gustav Holst lived here from 1964 until her death, during which time the home served a locus for her own composition work, which included assisting Benjamin Britten
-
This fun and free-spirited photography exhibition offers a chromatic view on the world‘Chromotherapia’ at Villa Medici in Rome, explores how we view colour as a way of therapy, and how it has shaped photography over the last century (until 9 June 2025)
-
Palace unites with Rapha to celebrate inaugural Tour de France FemmesMarking the first time women will compete in the historic cycling race since the late 1980s, this new collaboration sees Palace Skateboards and Rapha create uniforms for both on and off the bike – including an ‘outlandish’ pair of Crocs
-
Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022: Chanel to Miu MiuIn this extended report, Wallpaper* updates you live from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022 shows, with rolling coverage as runway events unfold
-
Scene-stealing runway sets from S/S 2022 womenswear showsFrom giant roulette wheels to Olympic diving boards and multi-city synchronized extravaganzas – our pick of the best fashion show sets from S/S 2022 womenswear
-
Louis Vuitton A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Chanel A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s -
Y/Project A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Sacai A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Alexander McQueen A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s
