Saint Laurent Winter 19 Runway Recap - 80's Power and Sultry Vulnerability

Under mirrored, matrix-like string lights and a jet black backdrop, the Saint Laurent winter 2019 runway show commenced in Paris, February 26, 2019 during Paris Fashion Week. Covered closely by Vogue, it was also named a "Defiant Manipulation" by Business of Fashion industry magazine. "The exaggeration that underpins Anthony Vaccarello's work loaned the collection an uncompromising extravagance. And the whole finale – fluoro and black light – was a delirious distillation of pure form." - BOF. With ominous 80’s Russian musical undertones and an overall dark presentation, here’s a luxury fashion blogger's runway show recap and what to look for from Saint Laurent going into the next season.

 All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

Saint Laurent winter 2019 overview

Recapping the Saint Saint winter 19 fashion show in just a words - the future is dark. Laurent is the ever sinister, lurid child of luxury fashion, blending sophistication and tailoring with daring rebellious undertones and a fierce, understated power. The runway preview of 2019 winter fashion was no exception, and left our inner demons craving more. The setting and audio tracks were futuristic and dark, with auspicious elements that bring out a sort of fantasy emotion. Models were sleek and stern, with dramatic side parts and straight, not overly-done hair with winged eyeliner and pale cheeks.

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

The setting was powerful, with a sort of evolution of late-80’s blending with hyper modern elements. The collection was equally dramatic, with exaggerated details like puff ankle shoes, oversized shoulder pads, large fur accessories and plunging necklines. Overall, the silhouettes were dressy, in a sort of anarchy way, bravely stating to the world a 2019 summer fashion trend of the death of athleisure may continue through the next seasons. Intriguing, fateful and tantalizing, here’s the recap of the Saint Laurent winter 19 show in Paris.

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

Saint Laurent winter 19 show accessories are minimal but dramatic

Hats and glittering swim caps covered the model’s heads that weren’t done in undone-straight hair looks. Accessories were only minimally present, but those that presented themselves were dramatic and stand-alone pieces. Thick belts, tasseled earrings and necklaces, tights, and heavy hardware rings and cuffs were spotted on just a few key outfits, where the other looks were left to stand on their own. One simple accessory is enough to make a statement, and Saint Laurent is doing just that.

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

Dress returns to the runway with pumps and stiletto heels

Proof that dress is back to stay for the darker half of the seasons, Saint Laurent’s runway was absent of flats or sneakers. Instead, the reappearance of high, platform pumps and stiletto knee-high stiletto boots trumped the runway. If you’re looking for a more casual take, their classic witch boot with a lower heel also graced a few looks. These elevated styles were paired with suiting and casual looks.

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

Material focus is luxe in all blacks, glitter and silks

Material matters, and Saint Laurent blended a dramatic mix of strong, statement finishes. Owning the runway in futuristic flair was all-black silks, satins and natural and vinyl leathers, contrasted exorbitantly with sheer under layers, a splash of animal print, and luxe evening fabrics like sequins, brocade and velvet. Burgundy and animal-print-orange with emerald green played as the pop colors against a mostly black collection.

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

All photos courtesy of Saint Laurent video clips from the runway 

Photos courtesy of BOF - https://www.businessoffashion.com/fashion-week/ready-to-wear-autumn-2019/saint-laurent/collection/look/46

Overall, the Saint Laurent 19 winter runway review was no disappointment with emotional, melodramatic power plays and sultry vulnerability upping the appeal. Some of my favorite looks above captured by BOF. If you missed the luxury fashion show during Paris fashion week, get the full look from on the Saint Laurent site or watch it below.