Lemaire turns the ordinary into the extraordinary with offering of elevated workwear at Paris Fashion Week

Christophe Lemaire designs his eponymous label with partner Sarah Linh-Tran
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Emma McCarthy2 March 2017

A showcase which sought to elevate workwear to a whole new class stole the show at Paris Fashion Week last night as fashion label Lemaire unveiled its latest collection.

Renowned for its ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, Christophe Lemaire - who designs his eponymous label with partner Sarah Linh-Tran - put the building blocks of our wardrobe in the spotlight with an offering which was as polished as it was practical.

Minimalist workwear was the star, with classic shirting and tailoring finished with trademark Lemaire flourishes beloved by the brand's insouciant chic fans.

Jumbo cord trouser suits in shades of pristine white and plum were far from your average boardroom attire, while vinyl leather overcoats and asymmetrical suiting gave power dressing a high fashion slant.

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Balloon sleeve blouses, smock shirtdresses and sheer trousers worn with mannish blazers brought a soft and quietly confident femininity to the collection.

Accessories were also considered with the working woman in mind with document wallets and roomy tote bags, worn clutched at the hip, for days in the office and leather wristlet pouches designed for when you need to travel light.

As for after-dark dressing options, there were no bubblegum-tulle ballgowns here. Instead the designers offered up a host of stealth-chic cocktail options suitable for executive classes, from metallic silk blouses worn with perfectly cut black trousers to lurex thread knitted LBDs.

Having risen to prominence as creative director of Lacoste and then at the helm of storied French house Hermes, Christophe Lemaire is renowned for his beautifully pared-back and simplistic aesthetic.

Since leaving Hermes to focus on his own label in 2014, Lemaire has worked hard to create a commercial success with his eponymous brand almost doubling its turnover in the first year.

The Frenchman is also a long-term collaborator with Japanese high street chain Uniqlo and was named as artistic director last year.

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