PARIS, Jan 28, 2005/ FW/ --- One of the most creative young talents who has emerged in the French fashion scene is Laurent Mercier who continually regales his audience with a kooky, almost irreverent and unforgettable looks that makes his runway shows something to look forward to every season.

Showing on the official calendar for Spring 2005, Laurent Mercier is one of the emerging couturiers that were sponsored by Chopard to have his runway presentation held at the Hotel Intercontinental in central Paris.

As expected, Laurent Mercier obliged his audience and his sponsor with a show that can only be his - humorous, sassy with a dash of elegance.

First he showed women in ‘masculine looks,’ a shirtdress with a tie, a pantsuit set with a deep V-neckline top adorned with beaded sleeves and the model wearing a kangol hat.

And after this seeming ‘formality,’ Laurent Mercier went to town, sending a model in a transparent gown made of black lace, a vaudeville queen wearing dusty lavender cocktail dress finished off with a black ostrich boa while smoking a cigar on the runway.

It was all theater, based on the 1920s vaudeville with Laurent Mercier’s funny side all apparent as he made the models dance and sashayed on the runway.

For the ending, it was actually the designer himself in 6-inch stiletto heels wearing a tuxedo and top hat!

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier

Laurent Mercier