Last week the runways of Paris buzzed by romantic Elie Saab gowns, Chanel outfits dressed down with white sneakers, a Christian Dior take on the mesh trend and a truly Valentino-like sheer beauty.

When it comes to formal and evening wear, this season is all about fluttery layers, metallic hues, romantic or funked up mesh and a world of floral and tribal patterns. Continuing this season is the ever-romantic lace trend, this time with different patterns and a bohemian nonchalance.

 

Metallic Sheer Armani Prive 

Armani Prive Spring 2014 runways were bold statements of sheers, metallics and a certain 1920’s vibe. Hairs were kept up in the 1920’s style turbans, layered were kept at bay and an overall sense of sleekness, unstructured feel dominated. Fabrics were shiny with various uses for lace and sheers.

 

 

 

 

 

The Romantic World of Elie Saab

In true Elie Saab fashion, this season the Lebanese designer was all about curve-hugging, floor-lentgh gowns and a brilliant use of soft sheers, chiffons and stunning lace to create subtly draped and effortlessly flowing empire waists. He used neutrals, including this season’s favorite powder pink hue, florals, and ombre dresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ever-Practical Chanel

Chanel is the epitome of brilliantly chic practicality and this collection is no different. The house’s collection this Spring had the classically modern Chanel edge to it and was kept fresh, young and trendy. With a mix of whites, metallics and a whole lot of sneakers, Chanel’s Spring 2014 collection had a strong sporty feel. Think tennis-chic meets skater girl.

 

 

 

Meshed Dior

It doesn’t get much more Parisian chic than Christian Dior, and this collection is no different. Blacks and whites ruled and a subtle mint green gave the runway a boost of Spring. The house of Dior was all about layered sheers, a horizontal take on pleats and a truly Dior take on the mesh trend. Who else can claim to turn biker mesh into haute couture evening gowns?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheer Valentino 

The ever romantic Valentino was all about soft sheers this season, with blacks and beiges reigning their evening gowns. Subtly layered sheers were used brilliantly to create uneven hemlines, ruffles and flutters to add a touch of fairy beauty to the understated dresses.

 

 

 

Versace Rock Sheer

Versace took a more rock-star take on the sheer and metallic trend, presenting statement dresses that are more punk than romantic.

 

 

 

 

Floral Cuteness 

What’s spring without a little floral pattern. Although the dramatic blacks and neutrals have had the lion’s share, florals also reigned the runway this season, even when it came to evening gowns.

 

 

 

 

Colors and Polkas

Two-toned dresses and polka dots also made way into evening wear this season. From bold contrasts, to subtle hues and springy polkas, this trend gave a certain spring lightness to formal wear.