Paco Rabanne: All That Glitters
By Mari Davis
(Photos by Javier Mateo)
PARIS, Oct 11, 2003/ FW/ --- The invitation from Paco Rabanne stood out among the rest – wrapped in a plastic pouch 6 inches by 6 inches square was the Paco Rabanne logo.
It looked like a giant photographer press pass because it also came with a chain, suggesting that it should be worn.
The only reason why the journalists knew that the invitation was for them and not for the photographers was because the photographer passes were also sent.
And they were buttons, very similar to the campaign buttons Arnold Schwarzenegger was distributing during his bid as California governor.
If this were done by another fashion house, someone would say that there was a mistake. But it came from Paco Rabanne, known for the use of incongruent and sometimes bizarre materials, so all is well.
In fact, the PR who thought of it made a coup, because once the invitations were sent, the fashion flock were all talking about the invitations, and it created a buzz among the international press.
So, the Paco Rabanne show was literally mobbed the day of the show. Those who attended Leonard, and had invitations for Paco Rabanne found themselves falling in line to get in!
Once inside the Salle Delorme at Le Carrousel du Louvre, the seats were 90% filled and not everyone was there yet! By the time everyone arrived, all seats were taken, and the standing room only area was filled to capacity also.
As Paco Rabanne’s wont, he tries to accommodate as many people he could, without transgressing the fire marshal’s safety rules.
So, when the lights dimmed, and the music started, Didier Grumbach, President of the French fashion federation, who was sitting front row, had to ask the security to have the standing people sit down so that everyone can enjoy the show.
The result – people without seats were sitting on the floor and the steps, with more people standing at the back.
That was how popular Paco Rabanne’s show was.
And Rosemary Rodriguez, Paco Rabanne’s protégé, who has been designing for the fashion house during the past seven years, should be commended for her work, which had continually created a buzz for the fashion house.
For Spring / Summer 2004, Paco Rabanne, master designer, and Rosemary Rodriguez, the protégé, lived up to expectations.
Emphasizing long legs, lithe bodies and athletic silhouettes, garments with simple, clean-cut lines adorned with pictograms and symbols were sent on the runway.
Short shorts, mini skirts and micro dresses in black, while, Klein blue, turquoise, orange, lemon, red and metal, brandished giant accessories made of plastic and light aluminum.
Swimsuits made of new generation fabric and tank tops adorned with Swarovski crystals at regular intervals, provided glitter and accentuated the woman’s body.
Playful designs, featuring eye-catching graphics were incorporated without distracting the eyes, or taking away from the beauty of the woman wearing it.
New this season is the transformable clothes and accessories – plastic raincoats with detachable accessories and nylon protection – parkas.
The lowly shopping bag became gigantic, and used as garment bag. And if you are feeling experimental, wear it as a dress.
The show was vintage Paco Rabanne – innovative, high-tech, and totally enjoyable.
The House has never wavered in its philosophy of discovery and utilization of new materials.
It has been almost 40 years when Paco Rabanne rocked the fashion world with his ‘space age’ looks. And in the 21st century, an entirely new generation is discovering his genius.
He is also getting help from an unexpected place – Hollywood. With the final installment of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ due to be release this December, chain mails and glittery garments are in.
So, where do you go to get the best? From the House of Paco Rabanne, who brought it to life even before J.R.R. Tolkien’s book became one of Hollywood’s biggest hit.
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