Christian Lacroix's 'Flash'
By Timothy Hagy
(Photos by Frédéric Planté)
PARIS, Mar 6, 2003/ FW/ --- Christian Lacroix presented his shimmering Fall/Winter 2003 collection on the eve of the Paris Ready-To-Wear shows in his Haute Couture atelier located on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. Just steps away, in the Palais Elysées, breaking news flashed: France, Germany and Russia announced their intention to veto any UN resolution sanctifying a war with Iraq.
But to step across the threshold yesterday, on a beautiful spring afternoon in Paris, was to step through a magic mirror where the world's problems seemed far away from the beautiful world conceived by Christian Lacroix.
Champagne flowed, and airless macaroons floated on silver trays.
The collection called "Flash" was presented on live models who lounged, and walked about sporting black, white and gray pieces sparkling with silver ornaments.
It was Ready-To-Wear in name only, for the finesse of detail, and the sheer elegance of the glistening creations offered all the trappings of Haute Couture, on an accessible scale.
One full length gown, sewn of black and white beads and bubbling with aluminum circles, was worn with a white mink stole tossed across the shoulders.
Color, however, was never far from the surface. One particularly exquisite gown was folded with softly printed magenta silk to form a bustle and worn with a black 18th century-inspired bodice encrusted with a ruby heart.
A white day dress was worn over a black crêpe skirt, a diamond belt falling to the side.
Cascades of silver strands, beaded necklaces and feathered purses set with jewels ornamented the collection with an elegance of times past.
Christian Lacroix, however, was quick to point out the modernity of his designs. "I'm a man of our time", he told FW. "But it's true that there is a Bohemian look to it. One could imagine London in a former era."
With everything from jeans to silk prints, his design was certainly modern at heart, though steeped with charm.
Perhaps that is just meaning of it all, and the reason that Lacroix tantalizes us season after season. When other designers resort to gimmicks destined to reward stockholders, this most French of French designers continues to put his heart and soul into his work.
And the beauty of it strikes like a flash of lightning.
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