Paris Fashion Week wrapped last week, and it was anything but boring. Current geo-political climates, coupled with trends that ranged from slogan tees to power suits, meant that most runways had either overt or sub-textual political messages. From New York to Paris, here are the top five things you need to know about the recent fashion weeks.  

Location is a Major Thing

#CHANELGroundControl #CHANELFallWinter #PFW

A post shared by CHANEL (@chanelofficial) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:12am PST

Chanel's Grand Palais show had it all: Kendall, Gigi, a full-size launching rocket, and the requisite smoke. The collection was Mod-inspired with more than a few new versions of the power suit. The setting was as integral to the show's message as the collection itself. What was the message you ask? It was a hybrid of female empowerment and cautious optimism. Prada and Miu Miu also touched on feminism and used creative sets in their shows. Miu Miu's purple faux fur-lined staircase had a shagadelic vibe that harkened back to a similar 60's era.  

Gucci is Still on Top

At the first unified Gucci fashion show, @asaprocky wore a purple coat embroidered with dragons, sweatshirt, pants and loafers. #GucciFW17 A post shared by Gucci (@gucci) on Feb 22, 2017 at 3:05pm PST

A pyramid, an airport concourse, and a collection with more than 100 pieces made Gucci's show an extremely strong presence in Milan. Alessandro Michele's inspirations ranged from Victorian to 1970s, and was replete with extremely marketable items. GG sweatbands, tights, and a plethora of must-have bags made it a very sell-able showing, and further cemented the brand's "It" status.  

Power Dressing is In

A borderless space. A closer look at the #LVFW17 show by @nicolasghesquiere. #LouisVuitton #PFW

A post shared by Louis Vuitton Official (@louisvuitton) on Mar 10, 2017 at 7:05am PST

Louis Vuitton's Louvre showing took place among formidable marble sculptures, which tied into the collection's spirit of strength. Models walked through an expansive corridor, and the collection was inspired by (once again) power dressing and multi-culturalism. Strong shoulders and modest hemlines defined this tough-chic collection.  

Fashion is Political

#PGTshirtseries: Dedicated to the women who inspire us. Our Fall 2017 T-Shirts are now available on prabalgurung.com at the link in our bio. For every t-shirt purchased, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and our foundation, Shikshya Foundation Nepal. Shop now at the link in our bio. Styled by @kaisergrams Casting by Maida Boina. Makeup by @diane.kendal for @maccosmetics Hair by @anthonyturnerhair for @wellahair with tools by @hottoolspro Skin by @harcourts for @belifusa Nails by @jinsoonchoi for @jinsoon Thank you to @wearcommando and @footpetals for your support. #femininitywithabite #pgmuse #pgnyfw #pgworld A post shared by Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) on Feb 18, 2017 at 11:02am PST

Slogan tees were definitely a thing at New York Fashion Week. Though they weren't as omni-present across the pond, European collections made their feelings known in less overt ways. Strong feminine silhouettes spoke to an eminent desire for empowerment.  

Vintage is Still Relevant

Byronesque's much-hyped Maison Margiela pop-up shop happened in Paris during fashion week. Byronesque is a legendary Parisian vintage retailer and Maison Margiela is a huge influence for it-brands like Balenciaga and Vetements. The much-touted shop is testament to vintage fashion's enduring cult following.   Did you catch any of the recent fashion week showings? We will be re-watching them in the coming months, and who knows, we might just learn something. As Vanessa Friedman wrote in the New York Times, "fashion itself is not the messenger but the message." Well said, timely, and relevant words indeed.   Feature image courtesy of Cristina Cifuentes via Flickr.com