Paris, Oct 7, 2001/ FWD/ --- Always one to march to his own Technicolor beat, Christian Lacroix once again presented a lavish, highly ornamented collection in an explosion of colors for Spring 2002.

It was a younger, softer collection than past seasons, with looks seemingly aimed less for the lavish aristocrat and more for her wild bohemian daughter.

Poncho-tunics with feather points fell off shoulders, handkerchief-hem scarf dresses were defined by large metallic woven belts, peasant blouses were dressed up a notch in meadow green silks, jackets were sharply cut in bronze leather – all amidst a flurry of narrowly silhouetted pieces, madly ornamented with fringe here, tulle there, a strip of lace on the side, a tulle ruffle in the shoulder…

The collection, though, lost its youthful stride a bit towards the end when the fresh color palette turned murky.

Somehow, the same feminine looks of layered patterns and textures appeared cumbersome in inky hues, and a series of beaded, peacock-feather prints looked dated, even with fabulous fringe cuffs.

Accessory-wise, the show was not without some standout, retail-friendly moments.

A fringed metallic handbag, chicly rock ‘n’ roll, was as akin with current trends as were a pair of multi-stripped leather stilettos with thin straps that wound up the leg.

Christian Lacroix Fashion

Christian Lacroix Fashion

Christian Lacroix Fashion

Christian Lacroix Fashion

Christian Lacroix Fashion

Christian Lacroix Fashion