Posted by Fashion Editor and Junior at Large
I'm in Paris. I love my little hotel on Rue St Honore, and how its just a block from Colette. In the cafe downstairs the manager even remembers my favourite red wine. The first 24 hours have been hectic. I interviewed Heidi Klum at the Ritz for Grazia, not before practically walking into Mario Testino in the lobby, and then being caught up in the flurry of Naomi Campbell leaving the building. Then there was Cavalli's amaaaazing party (read about in Grazia next week). After delivering the copy my first show was Balmain. Read the review over on Grazia Daily.
In the meantime, we have been thinking about the most important looks from London, and have realised that there is a new style icon in town.
Meet the muse for SS11: the one and only Malibu Barbie.
The original Malibu Barbie, circa 1971
Having been released in 1971, Malibu Barbie is an icon from the era that nearly every designer referenced in their SS11 collections. Originally, she was sold wearing a fetching aqua swimsuit, with an eveningwear ensemble called 'Lemon Kick' - a yellow confection of pleated chiffon, with on-trend angel sleeves and flared trousers.
As bizarre as it may sound, it does seem that Malibu Barbie's pastel-perfect colour scheme, love of a pleat and a way with floaty chiffon has indeed influenced what we will all be wearing next summer. The catwalks were awash with a palette of aqua, vibrant pinks, and flashes of yellow. Sleeves, capes, trousers and dresses were billowing silk-chiffon affairs in very Seventies styles, and denim was always in the palest of Charlie Girl washes. There were large helpings of crystal glitter (a Barbie essential), A-line shapes were enhanced with pleating and the abundance of fringing added to the Malibu beach feel.
Still don't believe us? Let the pictures speak for themselves...
House of Holland SS11
House of Holland SS11
Richard Nicholl SS11
Giles SS11
Unique SS11
Matthew Williamson SS11
Mark Fast SS11
Richard Nicholl SS11
It's not just the clothes, either. California golden blonde flicky hair, rainbow eye makeup, neon pink highlights and glittery lipgloss were the key runway beauty looks. Remind you of anybody?
Julian J Smith SS11
So there you have it: Malibu Barbie, inspiring girls since 1971, and the style icon for the new season.
Images: Mattel, Style.com
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