PARIS, Oct 8, 2001/ --- Celebrity sightings have been slim pickings at the spring 2002 Paris shows, so a leather-clad Iman making an appearance at the Rochas show in Paris today became quite an event in itself for photographers.

It wasn't coincidence that the models walked to "Hero" by David Bowie, great song but slightly out of place perhaps for Rochas, who designs for the wealthy elite, not the hip and happening.

High collars, narrow fit and short puff sleeves were the silhouettes that carried over from blouses and jackets to dresses.

This defined shape was broken only by pleats, in the front of a shirt or the back of a short skirt.

The Rochas lady is indeed that: classic, refined and established.

These are not clothes for girls on the party circuit.

The looks were austere and somewhat repetitive; black and white striped cotton mixes morphed from blouse to dress, to shorts and top, to skirt.

Shoes were black, flat lace-ups and the only accessories were leather belts or a polished cherry leather bodice belt, which emphasized the female curves further.

The evening dresses were more fluid and in softer fabrics such as jersey, satin and chiffon, and were more practical than the rest of the collection; or, at least, they were suitable for formal events.

Rochas

Rochas

Rochas