Inspired by the sea, architectural shapes and ’60s silhouettes, Paris fashion week introduced yet more fun and fresh takes on S/S 2012 style.

Aquatic Adventure
The underwater theme was prevalent in many major shows, from Chanel through to Givenchy. Karl Lagerfeld dreamt up an entire sea scape with pearls and shimmering fabrics, while McQueen referenced mermaids with Sarah Burton’s stunning fishtail gowns. Givenchy took a more relaxed approach with surfer-inspired wear; tight jodhpurs and snake skin blazers were likened to wetsuits. Models also wore large shark tooth pouches around their necks.

Sheer Sightings
The sheer trend is lasting through yet another season, albeit a much softer, lacier sheer look, favoured for S/S 2012. Valentino created our favourite sheer pieces, delicately embroidered with flowers and lace inserts for a dreamy take on femininity. Pleated chiffon billowed down the Dior runway as the models struck a balance between delicately demure and alluringly sexy.

Prim Peplum
A great way to try the ladylike trend, peplum waists were huge at PFW. Constructed in a manner of ways from simple undulating ruffles to flared overskirts attached to slouchy pants, the peplum was everywhere. Our favourite was the voluminous gathered peplum with trim detailing at the Givenchy show.

Bigger Belts
Gone are the days of the skinny belt, as wide belts worn at PFW signaled the end of an era. A micro-trend that will surely be spotted on street style blogs world over, the new season belts are thick, slung low on the hips or secured tightly around the waist à la Celine and Chloé.

Be My Babydoll
The babydoll dress made a surprising return at Paris. The short, full and flirty silhouette harping back to the 60s was given a new lease of life at McQueen, Yves St Laurent and of course Louis Vuitton. If we were once unsure, we couldn’t be more excited to embrace the babydoll now. After all, who could forget the leggy number Kate Moss walked in at the LV show!

Boxy
Boxy silhouettes were all over the Paris runway. Many designers chose to dress models in a minimalistic and androgynous way as an alternative to the overly feminine trends. Boxy tops were seen at Celine, Jill Sander and Hermés, mainly in clinical whites

Colour Blocking
Colour blocking was of course huge for S/S 11, but the 2012 take focuses a lot more on graphic and architectural shapes. From the two tone skirts seen at the Celine show, to the geometrical inspired prints at Hermés, new season colour blocking is grown up and sophisticated.