There is something about the minimalist beauty of Akris that I enjoy.  Designer Albert Kriemler continued to keep things simple and without heavy embellishment for Spring 2010.  The emphasis was on clean lines and subtle detailing.

The long, flowing dresses in icy blues and gray tones were lovely, but it was the daywear that stood out for me this go-round.

I really liked the cropped jackets on the pantsuits and the draping on the dresses — so modern and classy.  These designs are made for a woman who knows you don’t need bells and whistles to be chic.  Craftsmanship and confidence are what matter here most.

With Didier Grumbach

I actually sat next to Didier Grumbach and he remarked something very similar.  He said that the quality and workmanship of Akris make it worth the price.  A high compliment coming from the President of the Fédération Française de la Couture, du Prêt à Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode.

After the show, with designer Albert Kreimler

Afterward I congratulated Albert on a beautiful show.  I also caught up with fashion editor Spela Lenarcic. She was one of the eight women I profiled in my book Chic in Paris and we’ve been friends for a long time.  Spela runs the new fashion supplement for Le Monde and is also a consultant to Akris.  Great taste.

With stylist Spela Lenarcic

With Spela Lenarcic and Jean Philippe de Vezin

editors from Storm magazine

The setting within the Musée de l’Homme had a striking purity to it — white walls, white runway and lots of light.  It was a clean and airy look, much like the Akris collection itself.

And, of course, nothing beats this view outside…

runway images via style.com; candid photos by Marie Goujon