PAUL & JOE – Spring/Summer 2016

PAUL & JOE - Spring/Summer 2016

Off to the Tropics

October 16, 2015

By Lynn Quanjel

Photos Courtesy of Paul & Joe

Paris, France – For the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, the French fashion house Paul & Joe transports us to the tropics with an array of colorful designs and prints of palm trees, flowers, and cockatoos. Nevertheless, this typical Parisian brand keeps it very classy by using softer colors and materials such as silk.

Of this new outing the house’s artistic director and founder Sophie Mechaly states, “Paul & Joe is above all a state of mind: fashion, yet not a victim, friendly, spontaneously elegant, happy”. This new collection is a reflection of that spirit.

The show begins with a series of pastel designs in pink and purple hues, that add an element of playfulness. Pleated skirts, ruffled edges, and twin pieces all make appearances, along with beachwear essentials. As the collection progresses we see the introduction of black embellished designs with Swarovski Crystals and silver sequins boosting the most basic pieces whilst also adding an element of darkness amongst all the sunshine.

The show returns to more daytime pieces. Here we see bright red dresses with screen printed motifs; crisp white dresses veiled with chiffon; embossed with the same recurring palm tree motive; and shades of blue-mauve that are offset with thulium pink pinstripes. What gives this Spring/Summer 2016 collection an added level of dimension is the foiled metallic leather pieces throughout the collection in combination with both the printed graphic pieces and a simple white shirt.

In regards to hair and makeup, Paul & Joe keeps simple and effortless to reflect the summer vibe of the collection. The same pattern follows in the accessories apart from the use of the oversized beach bags in metallics and the beloved palm tree motives.

Despite the collection lacking real conviction it provided a balance of trends that will appeal to the demands of the Paul & Joe clientele. They are relentless in their search for casual yet elegant well-made designs. Nonetheless, the collection helps to lift the spirits and transports us to Havana, in the midst of the gloomy months ahead.