Victorian button-up meets raw punk at Paris Fashion Week

The buttoned-up styles of the Victorian era have met their nemesis in the unbridled sexuality of British punk in contrasting shows at Paris Fashion Week.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Here are some of the fall-winter highlights from the shows Saturday, which included Vivienne Westwood, Elie Saab, and Hermes:

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GETS SAUCY

The raw sexuality of British punk was on full display at Austrian designer Andreas Kronthaler's show for Vivienne Westwood.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Big red-white-and-blue carpets — in the colors of the Union Jack — led guests' eyes up to the show's decor of dismembered, upside-down mannequin legs. Three scantily-clad Goth ravers climbed up onto podiums around the runway as the show began and started to gyrate provocatively.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Lebanese designer Elie Saab acknowledges applause after the presentation of his ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The clothes channeled the punk styles that made Westwood's name in the '70s — but it was also a celebration of violent color and couture.

Models wear creations for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A diaphanous marbled pastel froufrou gown looked initially like a watercolor painting — until, on further inspection, the belt that consisted of adult toys came into focus.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The model's thick eyebrows evoked famed Italian porn star-turned-politician, La Cicciolina. She also had barbed wire covering her lips and wore kinky red lace-up boots.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The collection stayed true to Westwood's encyclopedia style by including Arab-style headdresses that were given an urban reworking, as well as styles inspired by the 18th century.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The best look? A giant flame red baroque tulle hat with a period fastening under the chin.

Actress Rose McGowan, members of South African hip-hop group Die Antwoord and rappers Ninja and Yolandi Visser applauded from the front row.

Models wear creations for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

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DEAR VIVIENNE: A LOVE LETTER TO WESTWOOD

Instead of the program notes, Andreas Kronthaler left guests a photocopy of a touching love letter he'd written to his wife and design partner Vivienne Westwood, 76.

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The 65-year-old Austrian designer had handwritten the missive on blue Eurostar notepaper on Feb. 28 while traveling between London and Paris on the cross-Channel train.

Models wear creations for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A model wears a creation for Elie Saab's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion week runway show in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

"Dear Vivienne. Heart. God how long have we known each other?" it began, before listing all the fashion influences Westwood had exerted on him over the years.

A model wears a creation for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Models wear creations for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

"When in doubt: dress up! ... These mantras of yours and so much more became part of my life and work. I still thank you to this day," it read.

Models wear creations for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A model wears a creation for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kronthaler first met Westwood in 1988 and they wed in 1993. He had for a long time taken the role as a silent creative partner but took over officially as a designer in recent years.

A model wears a creation for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kronthaler ended it: "Love you forever. Andreas."

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ELIE SAAB'S VICTORIAN FASHION

Elie Saab went to the "dark romance" of the Victorian era for inspiration for his brooding fall-winter offerings.

A model wears a creation for the Comme des Garcons ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The house produced a predominantly black collection of high necklines, statement bell and Juliette sleeves, defined shoulders and lots and lots and lots of ruffles.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

There was a delicacy to some of the fabrics and detailing such as in large velvet bows draped from collars inspired by the 19th-century paintings of France's Auguste Renoir.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Saab fused that covered-up era's styles with an exploration of all things floral — and served it on his bread-and-butter design choice, cinched-waisted gowns.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

The collection, entitled "Winter Bouquets," had blooms as prints, embroideries, and appliques in white, blush, powder blue and burgundy.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

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HERMES SHOWS OFF ITS COLORS

With an exotic set and a glowing red runway, Nadege Vanhee-Cybulski emanated quiet power in a collection that showed off her skills as a colorist and signaled that the Hermes designer is growing in confidence.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Starting in black, slim silhouettes in graphic styles gradually changed color and moved into powerful hues of midnight blue, vermilion, tan brown, mustard yellow and lime green.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

With subtlety, the '80s was referenced in soft belted leather coats, shimmering leather pants and knee-high boots in contrasting colors.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Detailing such as embroideries across a shoulder had a Latin American feel and demonstrated the famed craftsmanship of Hermes, a fashion house that in France has become a byword for luxury.

A model wears a creation for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Vanhee-Cybulski's penchant for checks produced a beautiful square brown dress.

But the real finesse was to be found in the collection's color combinations, such as when a belted jumpsuit in maroon was set off stylishly by a soft vermillion coat.

Models wear creations for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

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JUNYA WATANABE GOES TOP HEAVY

In a collection that took its vibe from the street, Junya Watanabe's edgy collection went stylishly off-kilter.

Models wear creations for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Oversize double-breasted suit jackets towered above floral leggings in an intentional effect that made the legs look like sticks. It was given greater resonance with large block-like sneakers and preppy socks.

Models wear creations for Hermes's ready-to-wear fall/winter 2018/2019 fashion collection presented in Paris, Saturday, March 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Elements of deconstruction — such as billowing sleeves that looked like pieces of fabric snipped away, or trench coats partially hidden in fur — demonstrated the skill that showed why the Japanese fashion designer was originally the protégé of Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo.

Bright reds and blues were then injected into the color palette — such as in one statement trapeze-shaped raincoat and in one mushroom-shaped bubble jacket — giving the 41-piece show an on-trend '80s vibe.

PHOENIX (AP) — A small blue dog with an Australian accent has captured the hearts of people across the world.

She's the title character of “Bluey,” a kids' program consisting of seven-minute episodes that have enraptured children and adults alike. This week's release of its longest episode yet — at a whopping 28 minutes — prompted an outpouring of appreciation for the show, even from those who are neither toddler nor parent.

“Bluey” follows an Australian blue heeler who, along with her sister (a red heeler named Bingo), navigates the days between home and school. It's a favorite among children for its playful humor, but it also appeals to adults reminiscing about childhood.

“My childhood experience wasn't the greatest so I've always resonated with shows where life is good,” says Miriam Neel, who lives in Colorado. “The parents in ‘Bluey’ enable imagination and creativity and really get involved with their kids, and I wish I had those experiences.”

Neel is 32 and has chosen not to have any children of her own. She says the show has become part of her morning routine and is often a go-to choice for background noise when she is working from home.

“I'm not going to speak for the entire generation, but millennials find comfort in cartoons. It's what a lot of us grew up watching,” she said. “And if I'm going to spend time watching something I'd rather watch something that doesn't make me afraid of the world, like any of the ‘Law & Order’ shows.”

“Bluey,” which now boasts more than 150 episodes, premiered in Australia in 2018 and began streaming on Disney+ in 2020. It also has been adapted into a digital series where famous fans like Bindi Irwin and Eva Mendes read some of the popular storybooks, and a live theater show that travels around the world.

The show has also won multiple awards, including the Australian Film Institute Award for best children’s television drama every year since 2019 and an International Emmy Kids Award.

The series provides a child's perspective into morning routines, errands and chores, while also giving viewers a glimpse of what life is like for parents through mother Chilli and father Bandit.

This week's special episode, “The Sign,” explores the emotions surrounding themes that resonate with both children and adults — moving houses, marriage, infertility and relationships after divorce. In addition to these universal themes, the episode wraps up the third season with Easter eggs for dedicated fans.

Lindsey Schmidt, 40, says the show's continuity keeps her family looking forward to more.

“There are so many callbacks to previous episodes,” says Schmidt, who lives in Ohio with her husband and three children. “The shows that we watch with our kids regularly don’t reflect our lives like this show does. These anthropomorphic dogs feel just like us."

But there are mixed feelings about the ending of the episode — SPOILER — in which the Heeler family scraps their move. Some families who relocate often for work found it unrealistic. Meg Korzon, 31, is in the process of a cross-country relocation with her four children because her husband is in the military. It's her seventh move in 10 years.

“I was hoping it would be an episode that aligned itself with the realities of life, our lives, as a military family,” she says. “I was selfishly disappointed because it could have been an episode about change and growth."

But the show does not shy away from other difficult topics — and that is part of the charm for adults as well.

“As a parent you aspire to be as good of parents as Chilli and Bandit are as parents. They always have a great way of talking kids through issues,” Schmidt's 40-year-old husband John says, adding that the couple often refers back to episodes when trying to explain things to their children.

The series has touched on topics of aging, death and making friends as an adult. It also has introduced a character who uses sign language and another with ADHD.

Jacqueline Nesi, an assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University, notes that “Bluey” promotes self-regulation and conflict resolution for children and engaged parenting and patience for adults.

“We see them working through some of the challenges that we, as parents, might be facing, too. And at the same time, they offer a nice model for different parenting skills — asking open-ended questions to facilitate kids’ creativity, using natural consequences when they misbehave, actively playing with them and letting them take the lead,” she says.

The show has also done a lot to expose children to the world of animation, flaunting different styles in the episodes “Escape” and “Dragon,” providing a near-voiceless episode in “Rain,” and breaching the fourth wall in “Puppets,” where the show stops briefly to zoom out on the creation of just a couple seconds of animated frames.

It's also credited with appealing to dogs — and not because the characters are the same species.

Research has said dogs have vision similar to red-green color blindness in humans, meaning their color spectrum is limited to blue, yellow, brown and shades of gray — which happen to be the colors of the Heeler family. There were more pets named Bluey, Bingo, Chilli and Bandit across the U.S. last year, too, according to Rover.

So it's fairly safe to say “Bluey” has appeal across species, as well as generations.

“I used to tell people what do ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘The Wire’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ have in common? They all have lower IMDb scores than Bluey. It used to anyway. I watched all these great shows, but I think ‘Bluey’ is still a favorite, maybe because I have kids. But I put it right up there with all of them,” John Schmidt says, admitting that he and his wife have watched the episodes without their children.

Schmidt says the episode tied a nice bow to end the season, and would be a perfect series finale otherwise.

“I get emotional about the potential of Bluey no longer having new episodes,” says Schmidt. “But we'll see.”

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

This image released by Disney+ shows a scene from the television series "Bluey." (Disney+ via AP)

Colored pencils sit around a drawing of "Bluey" the Australian kids' television program character on a sketch pad Friday, April 19, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Cheyanne Mumphrey)