Fashion
Allie X's Paris Couture Photo Diary
Intro by Mario Abad / Photography by Spela Kasal
28 January 2020
The haute couture shows just wrapped up last week in Paris, and Allie X was there to take in the extravagant collections up-close. The Canadian singer-songwriter, whose second studio album Cape God is due out this spring, documented her day-to-day for PAPER as she took us behind-the-scenes and on the streets of the French capital. Her exclusive photo diary includes stops at Schiaparelli, Ronald Van Der Kemp and Viktor & Rolf, all of which dressed her for the shows. Not bad for her very first couture experience. See, below, for the full chronicle of her Paris journey.
Sunday
I arrived a day before couture started so I could catch the Lanvin show on the last day of Men's Fall 2020. I wore a beautiful trench in the signature Lanvin blue with a beautiful lapel (I love a collar detail). The other favorite part of my look were the "knockers," which clipped onto my ears and held together behind with a silver chain. My hairstylist showcased them with a sculptural bun. (Do I sound annoying? Cause I don't care!) The show itself was possibly my favorite collection by Lanvin. I was surprised to see so many female models (including the Hadid sisters) in this men's show — A v cute start to the trip. After shooting in the freezing temperatures, I was so cold I went to the Park Hyatt for a sauna and a massage. I'm a bit of a spa whore.
Monday
Monday was my first couture show ever: the legendary Schiaparelli. I wore two looks this day. The silk pants and button up top with a turtleneck under were Schiaparelli, which I shot street style, then changed into my interpretation of the brand, wearing vintage Comme Des Garçons with Acne shoes. This cut-out look with "zipper" dress was an homage to Schiaparelli and its incorporation of the zipper into high fashion.
Tuesday
I got an invite last minute to the Ronald Van Der Kemp show, so early Tuesday morning I went to Lucien Pages for a fitting. I tried on so many looks I loved, but ended up going with this beautiful white gown with shoulder detail. It was my introduction to this designer, who is known for being one of the only designers to create sustainable couture pieces. I enjoyed the show and loved my look with shoes by Olivier Theyskens. After the RVDK show I went to dinner with Miss Fame, her assistant Timothe and my stylist Kieley. We had some laughs!
Wednesday
I was most excited to attend Viktor&Rolf and for good reason. It was a spectacular show in my opinion. I loved everything: the prairie patterns, the silhouettes, the tattoo makeup, the surreal environment, the music. I wore a tulle piece and couldn't find a matching bra so just went braless. It was fucking freeeeezing outside being practically naked, but werk. I got to meet Viktor and Rolf backstage after the show and tell them how much I loved their work.
From here we jumped in our car, and I changed and went to Guo Pei, a female Chinese designer whose imagination I'd like to hang out in. This was a spectacular show unlike anything I'd ever seen before. The attention to detail in the fabric, presentation and makeup was really truly incredible. This was the only show that didn't dress me, so my stylist Kieley put together a look based around a vintage Thierry Mugler gold jacket. I had so much fun and learned a lot at my first couture week. I can't wait to come back to Paris. Thank you to my talented team: Kieley, Marlon, Kendall and Sahtia!
Allie X's Cape God is due out this spring. Watch the Troye Sivan-assisted "Love Me Wrong" visualizer, below.
Photography: Spela Kasal
Styling: Kieley Kimmel
Hair and Makeup: Marlon Monroe