Paris Fashion Week: At Stella McCartney, a luxe DIY spirit

Paris Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2014

PARIS -- It was only a matter of time before stirrup pants returned to the fashion spotlight -- and if anyone can bring them back, Stella McCartney can.

The designer showed a great fall collection Monday morning at Paris Fashion Week, stirrup pants and all, bringing together several of the season's trends, including knit dressing, craftsy details and sports-inspired utility.

I got a chuckle when I saw the stirrup pants, but they actually looked sleek (more trouser than legging) as a counterpoint to oversized boyfriend coats or blazers hand-worked with decorative zippers or nylon climbing cord embroidery, and worn with funky, wood-soled Derby shoes.

In the knitwear zone, asymmetrical blanket sweaters and skirts cocooned the body in warmth, while colorful shibori-dyed sweater dresses added a lightness and bohemian flair.

The collection ended on a high note with a group of McCartney's signature body-con dresses, which this season were twisted and draped with colorful waves of suspended thread and fringe, for a look that was DIY-meets-luxe sophistication.

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