Leonard Spring 2006: Retro-futuristic
Paris Pręt-a-Porter (Paris Women's Ready-to-Wear) Spring 2006
By: Mari Davis
PARIS, Oct 6, 2005/ FW/ --- Fifty-one exits of the house’s signature prints, Daniel Tribouillard and Veronique Leroy were inspired by the Aztecs to bring an ultra modern, almost futuristic Leonard Spring / Summer 2006 collection.
Divided into seven segments defined by the colors of the prints, Leonard went from flowing silhouettes to more structured form as each piece was shown.
Cute mini baby doll dresses that was so reminiscent of the 1960s were updated to the more ergonomic needs of today. From square necks to backless ensembles, it was all about comfort while remaining chic and stylish, something that the busy woman of today needs.
Changing the pace, Leonard sent hot pants and shorts short jumpers that can only be described as sexy. With the tiny handbags and totes, this beachwear has become a fashion statement on its own.
Pretty sundresses and sophisticated caftans mean summer at St. Tropez or at the Bahamas. To ward off the cool summer breeze or those chilly spring nights, Leonard redid the double-breasted suit jacket by cropping it until the waist, making it loose fitting, and as a surprise, it came in solid colors!
Lovely as the first part was, Daniel Tribouillard and Veronique Leroy did their best work during the latter part of the show wherein they used patent leather, plexiglass and hard plastic as accents and accessories.
Oversized plastic chains became oversized necklaces, while black plexiglass cut into squares; triangles, diamonds and circles were encrusted on the fabric like sequins.
It was almost like a trip to memory lane from the Sputnik age to the time when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon.
But, instead of looking dated, it looked fresh and futuristic, without looking sci-fi. It’s probably because the cuts are of today, the Aztec silhouettes familiar yet the accents and embellishments are of the future.
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