Laurent Mercier: Unclockable!
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

DALLAS, Jul 22, 2004/ FW/ --- Laurent Mercier has an alter ego, Lola who is a reincarnation of Jane Mansfield. It was Lola who opened the show (see top left photo) and it was also Lola who took a bow at the end of the show. (see photo at left).

Laurent Mercier is unclockable as Lola, to use a gay slang for men in drag that can truly pass for a woman. It’s actually a word of compliment. And though Lola looked delectable in “her” micromini nurse’s uniform and blond wig, she is not the only one that should be complimented. Laurent Mercier, the man behind Lola and the designer behind the label also deserve kudos for a very beautiful and artistic collection.

In Paris, on the first week of July, Laurent Mercier requisitioned a bar complete with ‘poles’ in the middle… yes, the type of poles that strip dancers use. The theme was ‘naughty but nice,’ alluding to the ladies of the night, but their clothes are definitely uptown.

Sticking to the theme, Laurent Mercier had his models gyrating at the poles, but their provocative dances did not take away from the exquisiteness of the clothes they are wearing, such as the cowl neckline body suit with a slit keyhole in the middle finished off with a demi tuxedo suit in black and white.

Or the transparent body suit, embroidered with black roses to hide what is necessary to be hidden. With black feathers and fishnet sleeves, just put on a black pair of pants or slinky skirt, and you can walk on the red carpet.

Laurent Mercier who is known for his iconoclastic designs that are both witty and humorous was in top shape when he designed this collection. He was able to combine fun and technical expertise in one show, concentrating on the silhouette, and keeping it the main focal point.

But his alter ego, Lola will not allow Laurent Mercier to be very serious. So, ‘she’ injected a lot of fun in the show.

Alright, now… I’m getting confused… who is doing which and what now?

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier