September 2021 was full of many things. From Adele’s long-awaited return to the drama born out of the Met Gala, the social media feeds have been set alight with plenty of like-worthy scenes and chatter-stirring affairs. But, while this month will be remembered for all of the above, nothing will be more memorable than the awe-invoking cuts and post-pandemic collections born out of fashion month. And, with this in mind, we have rounded up all of the best shows from the month’s closing event: Paris Fashion Week. From Balmain’s archival display to new collections from Lacoste and Rick Owens, head below to see our round-up…

While many shows grabbed the attention of the TL, none did so quite like Balmain. Following in the celebratory footsteps of Gucci, the French house looked to bring the glitz and glamour to honour 10 years with Creative Director Olivier Rousteing at its helm. And, what an ode to his work it was. With the opulent La Seine Musicale playing background to the new collection, viewers were invited to bask in a striking monochromatic colour palette as modern femininity regained supreme and archival raids, including Kim’s now-legendary wedding week beaded Balmain mini dress, made appearances. And, to make things all the more iconic, supermodel royalty such as Carla Bruni and Naomi Campbell could be seen taking the house’s SS22 collection for a walk down the runway.

Ensuring that their presence was made known this season was Loewe with an irresistibly inventive SS22 RTW collection. Surrealist at its core, Jonathan Anderson looked to manipulate silhouettes and add a splash of experimental flare to a collection that boasted seamless full-length body cons, made exciting with protruding hip structures, and rippling golden breastplates. And, we could not mention the latest display from the Spanish fashion house without a nod to the most beloved accessory to be born out of Paris Fashion Week: the Loewe heel. Replacing the classic stiletto heel with nail varnish bottles, roses and cracked eggs, the simple strappy heel was elevated to the status of a hype-worthy accessory thanks to the ornate and wildly quirky heel designs.

In a bid to transport fans of the house to the streets of Paris themselves, Pierpaolo Piccioli staged a joyous show under the gleam of the Parisian twilight. Showcasing fashion’s ability to surge with energy when taken into the real world, a bold and floral-adorned collection was presented, packed full of side cut-out mini dresses and floor-sweeping low cut gowns, culminating in the ultimate chic street style.

For Rick Owens’ triumphant return to the catwalk, the designers looked to pay tribute to himself with an on-brand procession. With the fitting theme of the “carpe diem” set, a post-pandemic celebration of living in the now unfolded as we were treated to the sexy sheer cuts indicative of the signature Rick Owens style. But, while ceasing the day may have been on the brain for Rick, the somewhat futuristic additions of hooded knitwear and leg-length gladiator-esque platforms grave then collection a tone ahead of its time. And, who better to model the tribute-paying collection than the OG Rick Owens lady and wife of the seasoned designer: Michèle Lamy?

When it comes to a Lacoste collection, it would be wrong to expect anything other than an array of pieces packed full of sporty sensibilities. And, that is exactly what we got with the brand’s SS22 collection. With the forever merging lines between sport and streetwear on the brain, Creative Director Louise Trotter looked to design a from the streets to the courts transitional display, as an ode to the Lacoste brand. Featuring an earth and emerald tone colour palette and pulled references from René Lacoste himself, onlookers were treated to classic silhouettes. And, varsity knits on the tennis court? Count us in!

Under the grand setting of the Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski’s, Hermès unveiled its freedom-focused collection. With a constriction-less and light feel prevailing, mini leather dresses and sandals reigned supreme as the ultimate summer wardrobe reared its head.