Leonard: The Truth About The Leonard Collection
By Contributing Writer
(Photo below: Leonard (left) on the runway, Spring 2003. Photo by Javier Mateo)

PARIS, Apr 9, 2004/ FW/ --- A funny thing happened on my to the Leonard show held last month here in Paris. Due to a communications mishap, I never received my official invitation! Let there be no doubts about it, I was definitely invited! But for some unfathomable reason, the press office was under the absurd impression that I was to send for it. And all that in spite of the fact that they confirmed earlier in the week that the invitation had already been posted to my Paris address.

Luckily for everyone involved, I got into the show, and of course I was seated. Although I was a bit disgruntled about the situation, I shan’t allow that to stop me from telling the truth about the Leonard collection.

The truth is that Veronique Leroy signed off on a graceful, elegant and charming collection replete with femininity for Leonard. She even went so far as to boldly propose new options for fur.

It is also very true to say that other journalists in attendance had mixed feelings about the collection. However, I predict that Leonard’s clientele will receive this collection with as much warm enthusiasm as I did.

A great number of things stand out about this collection. The printed knit sweater ensemble is both wearable and sensible. It looks good on and off the runway. I was most impressed with the beautiful ensemble that features a long coat, skirt and cashmere top in black. It has a way of establishing its own intimate dialogue with the woman who wears it.

The black trousers worn with an off the waist top and jacket are splendid, as the lovely dress in knit with its wide belt. It is set off with large scarf.

The kimono coat is one of the most beautiful things that I’ve seen in a long time. It is simple and understated, yet AMAZING! It is destined to be appreciated by those with an eye well accustomed to fine things.

Another interesting look came in the form of a two-piece ensemble in floral print in silk with matching sweater thrown over the shoulders. The black skirt ensemble with large black belt is perfect for dining at Chez Laurent.

My favorite looks from the collection are the deep brown dresses with floral prints. The sexiest one comes in the form of a two-piece number with spaghetti straps.

Then came the *sickening black and white fur (*sickening = fabulous x 10) worn with a **beat coat dress (**beat is a synonym for flawless). This coat too has horizontal bands from dress incorporated directly into it.

Okay, now here comes the source of the complaints: Numerous fur coats had a band of fabric integrated into them.

However, the confusion comes from the journalists who clearly failed to appreciate the beauty in the mix of fur and fabrics. Several of them concerned themselves with the practicality of it all and the improbability of being able to wear these coats more than twice a year.

“Why?” I asked. GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!!! Do they really think that women who buy these furs really care about a minor detail like that!?!. Fortunately, I am not alone in loving what I saw.

“I've seen a lot of fur this season. This is the first time that I've seen it with fabrics strips.” says Jenny Chen from Taiwan’s Madame Figaro in an interview with FashionWindows. "This collection will be well received in Taiwan because our customers like pretty clothes”.

As for the furs and their fabric strips, I am most confident in saying that through Leroy, Leonard achieved a brilliant coup in innovation. I predict that other designers will soon follow suit and present their own creations next year with their own take on what Leonard has accomplished in this collection.