We’re in the home stretch of fashion month.  The Spring/Summer 2022 collections marked the return to in-person shows and the occasion certainly gave us something to talk about.

It has been interesting for me to watch this unfold, both as a consumer and lover of fashion, and as an influencer who has experienced it IRL.

From an influencer standpoint, I noticed a few things.  First, some heavy hitters were just plain absent.  I think the pandemic gave people permission to break the mold and go in a different direction.  Others returned to fashion month with reckless abandon (hey, being able to peacock fun outfits with the people you love is something I dearly miss too).  And finally, there was the group who picked up where they left off but with a new perspective.  Aimee Song was honest about not feeling very motivated or into it this year.  Chriselle Lim was definitely in a different headspace this year (more on that in my IGTV).  But it was Susie Lau who said it best.  I’m paraphrasing – ‘returning to fashion month has been exhilarating, but with it came a new perspective that if and when we need to step away to focus on more important things, we now have the permission to do so.’  Love that.

Here are some highlights from London, Milan and Paris.

Prada

Leather bombers, major proportion contrasts, booblets, arm bands, pop colors and grandma mules.  All of the fugly things I love and the biggest return to “the Prada-ness” I’ve seen since Raf joined the fray.

Saint Laurent

The first look is everything I want in a white dress.  The pocketbooks tucked into pants gives such a IDGAF attitude I can’t help but love it.  Inspired by Paloma Picasso, a long time friend and YSL muse, this collection was very fun.

Thebe Magugu

Thebe Magugu is a new designer for me and I was blown away by what I saw.  I will be the first to say that while these photos are great, they don’t do justice to just how incredible these garments are.

The use of color, proportion and fabric choice is an A+.

Rick Owens

I speak his level of crazy.  When one interprets leather and full coverage garments into summer looks, I can’t help but fall in love.

Cecilie Bahnsen

I just love her frothy, voluminous silhouettes.  Always a win in my book.

Vivienne Westwood

An OG of this world, I just really loved this collection and the corresponding imagery.  I got a nautical, 80s Madonna vibe from it.  What’s not to love?

The Milestones

Other highlights to note were Simone Rocha, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain and Emporio Armani celebrating anniversaries (10, 10 and 40 years respectively).

Images via IMAXTREE