Guy Laroche: Winter on the Hungarian Plains
By Timothy Hagy
(Photos by Javier Mateo)
PARIS, Mar 6, 2003/ FW/ --- The Guy Laroche Fall/Winter 2003-04 collection finds its home in a world full of gypsies, fairies and goddesses flittering in the icy winds and fogs of the Hungarian Plain like glimmering moths and dragonflies.
Laetitia Hecht, who has been at the helm of Laroche for two years, chose an Eastern Europe
theme for her most recent Ready-To-Wear collection.
The energetic 35 year old Parisian has reinvigorated the label since her arrival in December 2001. And it was just in time for the venerable label, which was in danger of falling off the fashion radar. But what was fast becoming cold goulash soup, has now been perked up with a dash of spicy paprika.
Backstage, she explained her inspiration "I chose Hungary for the magical appeal".
And magical the collection was. From gypsy scarves tossed over the head, to silver bracelets strung of medallions falling over the wrists, the show was enchanting. Suede boots came up high on the calves, and knit scarves flowed down in abundance.
There was no lack of imagination in an opaque hoop skirt, or a pleated leather dress the color of café au lait, jaggedly cut around the edges.
A chartreuse silk skirt was paired with a thick knit violet sweater, while a series of black chiffon evening dresses were split, inset with gauzy net, ripped, cut and pleated. One frothy skirt, the color of sea foam, flared in voluptuous splendor.
Not everything worked though. One metal lattice strap top looked uncomfortably like a chastity belt, while some of the ballerina skirts billowed in almost comical excess.
But on the whole, it was another strong collection for the House of Guy Laroche, and one destined to fare very well, even in an uncertain economic environment.
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