Jean-Paul Gaultier unveiled a chic, sophisticated summer ready-to-wear collection for Hermes at the Paris Spring-Summer Week, while Phoebe Philo worked her sassy, feminine magic for Chloe.Unlike much of the youth-oriented clothing seen in Paris this season, Gaultier offered elegant ensembles for women of all ages, with classically cut trousers and many hemlines falling gracefully to the floor.A navy blue tunic top cinched at the waist with a brown leather belt topped slim matching trousers. Cuffed shorts provided a laid-back option to the pencil skirt suit. Belted leather trench coats were flawless.Gaultier, who presented his own line earlier this week, remembered the firm's roots in saddle-making with chiffon blouses in subtle equestrian prints. The easily recognizable Hermes ribbon print twisted across a white blouse.The house's fabled silk scarves showed up everywhere: around the wrist or the waist, in an umbrella or wrapped around ankles to delicately fasten a platform sandal. Leather bangle bracelets are also a must-have for next summer.
Philo's legion of fans, including Hong Kong film star Maggie Cheung, cheered her strong effort for Chloe -- a sleek mix of casual daywear and flirty evening wear, all of it with plenty of attitude and charm.Pleated ruffles cascaded down the front of a blouse shown with slim-leg trousers. A backless rose silk tank top draped across the chest and fell gracefully over an airy white cotton skirt.For evening, a green scarf nonchalantly thrown around the neck added a nice finish to a black cocktail dress. Models kitted out in slinky satin dresses of ocean blue and green with glittering diamante straps floated down the runway. Season after season, Philo – who is soon to be a mother – captures the wants and desires of today’s woman.