The cherry on top of a fantastic season of runways is always Paris Fashion Week. Home to some of the most storied brands in the world, the City of Light consistently delivers on high glamour, major street style, and jaw-dropping shows. And making her exciting return to the front row this season was Morgan Stewart McGraw. The tastemaker and Nightly Pop alum arrived with a full schedule that included stops at Balmain, Lanvin, The Row, and Hermès. But perhaps most anticipated on her list was the Valentino show.
Not since Phoebe Philo's Celine era has a fashion house had such a hold on us the way Valentino has with its F/W 22 collection. Featuring 80-plus looks drenched in vibrant Pink PP—a new Pantone color created by designer Pierpaolo Piccioli—the collection effectively set in motion the Barbiecore trend and has appeared on countless celebrities. With such a dominant last showing, we were excited to see what the fashion house would dream up next for the S/S 23 season.
Luckily, Stewart McGraw was there to capture the highlights as well as her getting-ready process exclusively for Who What Wear.
Tell us about the look you selected for the Valentino show. What about this look immediately caught your eye?
I was honored to be dressed by the brand for the show. I immediately gravitated toward this black textured set when I was looking around the maison. I just loved how effortlessly cool it looked yet still felt very feminine.
How does this look complement your own personal style?
It felt effortless, which is how I always strive to look and feel.
What about your glam for the show? What was the inspiration?
I wanted to make sure to complement the outfit, so we took a minimal approach to glam. You can, of course, never go wrong with a smoky eye, which I felt stayed on theme with the whole look.
Can you tell us about a treasured Valentino piece in your own wardrobe?
I have so many! I truly love all of their pieces. Valentino always feels special. If I had to choose, I would probably say the platform heels. I feel like I was one of the first to get them when they were first introduced by the brand. I just think they're the perfect shape and super sexy but fun. If I think about it, they were the first pieces, and the clothes followed.
You have a week full of shows. Can you tell us a bit about your packing strategy for Paris Fashion Week?
I hate overpacking! I always like to go in with a plan to avoid the unnecessary chaos that always comes with fashion week and running around to the next show or event. I throw in a few outfits for the events that I know I will be attending and mix in a bunch of staple pieces—jeans, sweats, and basic tees—that I can easily throw on during the "off hours" people tend to forget about.
Do you have any rituals when you arrive in Paris? Any must-sees or must-dos?
Lunch at L'Avenue is always a constant!
Let's talk about your street style looks. What was your vision for the week?
To be able to wear the things I haven't had a chance to enjoy at home because I'm typically running around with my kids. Lots of glamour, fun, and sophistication!
Paris is our final look at the trends that will dominate the spring/summer 2023 season. Did you spot any that you are particularly excited about?
A lot! The entire Valentino runway was an instant mood board. All nine of the shows I went to had a lot of different-color leather implemented into the collections, which I'm super excited for.
During a week of nonstop shows and events, what are your skincare and beauty essentials?
It's so basic, but so much water. It's so important to stay hydrated because you're running around, and you may forget, but your skin doesn't! I also always travel with a hydrating sheet mask.
What was the most memorable moment from the week?
All of it! The energy in Paris is magnetic, and all of the rushing around is truly exhausting but so much fun. Getting to connect with people you typically only see online is a real treat. Also, seeing Erykah Badu waking the runways before the show in all pink and her signature hat was a serious moment.
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