PARIS, Oct 4, 2002/ --- With wars and rumors of wars on the horizon, and with Wall Street, that ultimate symbol of masculine power and machismo, driven to hysteria of late, Rochas presented it's very feminine, and very glamorous Spring / Summer collection on the eve of Paris Fashion Week.

The setting was the Hôtel d'Evreux on Place Vendôme, which sits sandwiched between the Ritz and a Cartier boutique.

And Paris being Paris, Moët et Chandon Brut Impérial champagne flowed from an open bar with madeleines and tuiles offered up as a sweet accessory.

The collection is strong, and designer Peter O'Brien came up with a very feminine and very elegant silhouette.

And if this prelude is any example, it would seem that Paris picked up on glamour, where Milan stalled on sex.

Day models consisted of jackets with a narrow body combined with puff sleeves colored in black, off white and chocolate.

Trenches came in poplin and water repellent satin-finish cotton, while patches embroidered with big flowers ornamented short jackets.

The most interesting pieces in the collection, however, were a set of long evening gowns, draped in chiffon, and hearkened back to another distracted times.

Dare one say the word? The 1930s.

As the sun sat, and the candles were lighted, another season in the world's fashion capital came to life.

Rochas

Rochas

Rochas

Rochas