Minimalism has been the buzz word over the last few seasons but in the S/S12 shows editors, particularly Giovanna Battaglia, expressed their delight at seeing a movement away from the aesthetic in favour of prints and colour. Calvin Klein Collection will always be about modernity and minimalism but what Italo Zucchelli has managed to do so well is to ensure that all of these signatures are there, whilst still moving with the times as Phoebe Philo has also mastered at Celine.
As always the collection was deceivingly simple. The usual camels were there on oversized double breasted coats and tailored trousers. A generous helping of grey flannel appeared on suits in the middle and classic oversized ponchos and cashmere and mohair knitwear also featured throughout. In that respect, it was business as usual but where it got interesting was in Zucchelli's use of fabrics. The use of black alligator skin on trousers, the sleeves of jackets and mixed with cotton on simple long sleeved tops showed that minimalism can paradoxically have a maximalist feeling through the use of luxurious fabrics. The transparent nylon overlay used on a parka was evidence of the designer's ability to rework the classics in a way that is experimental but always very masculine.
The collection had an urban feeling, created by the hooded jackets, parkas and bomber jackets that all came styled with cotton white shirts. Each piece is something that you can imagine men wearing now, a feeling very much in the present compared to the designer's penchant to look to the future.
What can we expect from Calvin Klein on Fashion's Night Out? How about a performance by CK One model Jamie Burke's band, burke; a silent auction with works by Steven Klein, Ross Bleckner and Kenny Scharf; and appearances by Michelle Monaghan and Olympic fencer Jason Rogers, according to WWD.
Looking for something to take home? The brand's creative directors, Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli will be on-site to sign commemorative t-shirts, and shoppers who spend more than $1,000 will receive $250 Calvin Klein Collection gift cards.
Paris Couture Week is all about opulence and glamour. For one week, the world's biggest fashion houses produce remarkable one-off designs that reportedly, only a mere 200 customers in the world can afford.
But the glamour does not end on the runway. Last nightCalvin Klein creative directors Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli hosted an intimate private dinner for key press and celebrities in the exclusive Restaurant Apicius in Paris.
When we do post-event wrap-ups, it's easy to focus on the ladies. They have the gowns, the chiffon, the elaborate hair and makeup routines ... but this time, we're looking at the guys. Check out some of the industry's leading designers (from Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren to Zac Posen), and let us know what you think.
And just for good measure, we'll give you a look at their leading ladies and gents.