PARIS – French label Pierre Cardin returned to the official Paris fashion week schedule for the first time in decades, sending out a colourful, off-beat line-up of styles that recalled its space age heyday.

Models paraded two-toned suit jackets with triangular lapels, asymmetrical dresses and capes, shimmery gold trousers and thin ties that formed an arrow-like shape at the tip on Sunday.

Attendants flashed spotlights on models as they made their way down the temporary runway in the label’s empty flagship store, which is undergoing renovations.

Spinning holograms were projected in the windows of the store – located across the street from France’s Elysee Palace – and one model carried the three-dimensional projection in a handbag.

Mr Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, who took the reins of the label following his great-uncle Pierre Cardin’s death at age 98 in December 2020, said he worked with the design studio to pare back the looks, which were made from recycled materials and fabric that had sat in storage for decades.

Seeking to spark interest in the label among younger crowds, Mr Basilicati-Cardin said he set up competitions to bring on talent from other countries, such as Mexico and South Korea, for stints at the label.

“My goal is to manage the label and bring it on track,” he said, speaking to journalists after the show as he greeted guests including French singer Mireille Mathieu.

Meanwhile, futuristic luminous visors were the highlight of Louis Vuitton’s womenswear show on Monday at Paris Fashion Week.

A front row that included film stars Zendaya, Alicia Vikander and Lea Seydoux, as well as the label’s newly minted menswear designer Pharrell Williams, underlined the French brand’s current hot streak.

Its latest womenswear show from designer Nicolas Ghesquiere was a largely traditional affair at the Orsay Museum, but some innovative touches were guaranteed to light up social media, with bags made to look like houses and Paris street signs.

Elegant outfits in unexpected shapes came mostly in the classic winter colours of black, caramel, chocolate and cream.

The show finished with Squid Game (2021) actress Jung Ho-yeon in an impressive black-and-white flower dress.

“Nicolas exhibited his superior ability in playing with unexpected form and proportions, showcasing the exceptional skills from pin-sharp tailoring to exquisite embroidery and embellishment,” said Mr Simon Longland, director of buying for English department store Harrods. REUTERS, AFP