PARIS, Mar 6, 2006/ FW/ --- Building on his haute couture theme wherein he revisited Arles, Christian Lacroix did a different take for Fall 2006 with the matador costume taking center stage, giving the pieces a masculine touch while retaining the femininity that is always present in the French couturier’s collections.

The closing exit summed it all up, slim matador styled trousers and snug fitting jacket with boxy shoulders, both in gray, silvery white and black print fabric worn with a beaded blouse that was also in subdued colors, Christian Lacroix was once again in his best form, the same he was last January when he presented his haute couture collection.

Lily Cole in a black ensemble of a mini skirt belted right below the waistline paired with snug fitting long-sleeved jacket that was beaded on the placket and with appliqués on the sleeves, her long legs covered with dark hose, her feet shod with kitten heeled matador boots that were adorned with black beads epitomized the collection’s aesthetic.

And though fur was seen, it was used sparingly keeping the opulence and exuberance in a very tight control that in a lot of ways made every exit as luxurious as ever and every piece very precious.

The multiple variants of the coat were all cut wide, yet stayed within the theme of the matador, again, done with the use of lace appliqués, embroidery and beading. Except for the coats, the silhouettes remained very slim, with the female figure emphasized.

Sending a capsule men’s collection on the runway, Christian Lacroix dressed the men in plaids and pin striped suits, with a hat rakishly angled at times, that though they look as gentlemanly as ever, there was a playful aura around them.

Even with both men and women’s clothing together, it was a very tight collection, Christian Lacroix never missing a single step.

And though there were some problems with the lighting, and the photographers at the pit were grumbling because of it, nothing could really take away from the beauty of this collection.

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix