PARIS, Mar 16, 2004/ FW/ --- I am so thrilled to be the writer of this review of Barbara Bui's Fall/Winter 2004 - 2005 collection shown last Mar 6 here in Paris. This collection is by far one of the fiercest things to hit the Paris runways in a long time. AND WEARABLE TOO!

Earlier in the evening before the fashion show, I asked myself if I would have the courage to make it to another fashion show. Mind you, the previous show that I had attended was a pure disaster on wheels. I mean it was just one old hot mess with its horrible use of some dead fox skins. With that in mind, I naturally said to myself, "Great Balls of Fire! Not Another f#*king show!"

Later arriving at Hotel Intercontinental for the Bui show, I could not immediately discern anything that would wash away the memories of my previous défile. Sure beautiful people were abundant, along with the top press and not to mention the very cute press attaché that takes care of the Bui collection, but nothing more! "Should I leave now while I still have the chance to sneak out unnoticed or should I bite the bullet and stay?" Oh what a dilemma!

Luckily I decided to stay because child, child, child!!! Barbara Bui put on a sensational show!!!

Complete with furs, leathers and high heels, her show put to shame many of the others that preceded and followed. Due to space limitations, I am going to describe for you several looks, which are naturally TO DIE FOR.

Through my words, you will know, feel and see the look of Bui's great creations.

Look was the first N° 4 to get my attention. It featured slim cargo pants and a black striped and sequined georgette shirt. Over it was this divine blue-green and black knitted reversible fox jacket, complete with a leather waist detailing. Are you visualizing this?

From there to Look N° 8. A black and ivory brocaded trench coat, worn with a pair of black satin slim pants and a black mousseline scarf. I render major accolades to the stylists on this show; fore this look was truly NO JOKE!

Immediately, a brocaded coat in black and ivory followed to my shouts of "BRAVO". Look N° 11 featured an embroidered "Bjork" suit with fox trim and collar and brown mink bag with dark red details is all about fun.

If I were a fox or mink, I would gladly go to the slaughterhouse if I could be guaranteed that my hide would be reincarnated in a Barbara Bui collection!

Bui's "Klimt" print dress with black satin jersey details and its faded ink python bag with mink tails is great. And watch out for Look N° 15 with its "Klimt" print shirtdress with striped skin colored sequins and black satin jersey details is dazzling.

I could go on and on about this collection, but I will limit myself to describing a few more looks. Bui's little black dress is a must-have. Hers is a black georgette dress with blue/green collier in python worn over slim pants in black jersey. Her blouse in black lace with satin jersey and sequin details is brilliant.

A particular achievement in the Bui collection is her blacked sequined formal or tuxedo jacket with leather trims. As general rule, I hate sequins. Why? Because they are normally too large making the finest of garments look CHEAP AND TACKY! However, Ms. Bui's sequins were perfect in size and had not a hint of what I (along with half of the civilized world) hate about sequins. Everything worked so well together. Now that's a collection!