Following a stylish week of menswear shows in Milan, the scene shifted to Paris for the last -- and some would say the best -- leg of the European tour. Here, we present a selection of the best designers from the French capital, featuring both homegrown talent and trendsetters from abroad. Highlights include modern classics from A.P.C., athletic sophistication from Y-3 and a three-part exploration of men's traditional style from Thom Browne. Enjoy eight designers to know from Paris Fashion Week below.
Y-3
With its tone-on-tone and deconstructed motifs, one sensed that Y-3 was embarking on a new phase. The looks were futuristic yet utilitarian at the same time, keeping the versatility that has long been a brand hallmark.
Brand founder Jean Touitou described a "self-contained eccentricity" that ran through his Fall/Winter 2016 collection. The translation: these were staples with a twist, offering classics shot through with character.
The Belgian designer imbued his garments with a distinctive military vibe, but the materials belied the officious air. Psychedelic prints, crushed velvet and gold badges indicated these were the decorative uniforms for Dries' "peaceniks."
Browne's presentation was staged in three parts, starting with tattered and distressed and working back to new and pristine. Commenting on the different phases of the grey checks and stripes, Browne said, "There's beauty in the perfection, and there's beauty in the imperfection,"
Pigalle founder Stéphane Ashpool titled his Paris show "Eros," which explores the feminine aspect of all men. Consequently, soft silhouettes were finished in even softer pastels, turning contemporary streetwear on its ear.
Virgil Abloh set the tone for his Off-White runway debut with a nod to tradition: a black suit and coat. Traditional men's materials and patterns merged with accessible street style, all tethered by an admirable restraint.
Facing his second decade at Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci was evidently intent on shaking things up. One thing that hasn't changed is the designer's obsession with the States, which this time around was filtered through a distinctive international filter, including street gangs from Botswana, Africa, dressed up in leather-clad homages to the Marlboro Man.
Designer Alexandre Mattiussi showed off new variations of Ami favorites in Paris. a camel coat with pleated trousers, classic bombers and equally classic knits, Tradition would later be upended by silver sequined pieces, adding an unexpected shot of glitz to the staid proceedings.