PARIS, Jul 7, 2006/ FW/ --- Wearing black hair cut in a short bob with bangs, topped with a flower, the models looked like living dolls as they walked on the runway wearing colorful hose and clothes that fantasies are made of.

It was as if Christian Lacroix was the head of a doll factory, and his imagination ran wild as he dressed each doll, making sure every outfit is unique.

First, there were the traveling coats that were loosely cut, giving the illusion of volume. Sometimes, they were trimmed with fur on the collar and on the sleeves. A master colorist, Lacroix created them in olive green, dark red, black and silver.

And that was just the beginning! The black coats were embroidered using gold thread, a tiny bow added at times as an embellishment. Even the A-line silver coat, reminiscent of the space age 1960s were trimmed with fur to soften the futuristic look and embroidery added for femininity.

As each model shed their coats, the dress inside is revealed. Again, there is that 1960s A-line feel, sometimes, the straight line from the 1920s with lace added to complete the look. Yet, though the inspiration seemed disparate, Lacroix kept the collection tight using the flamboyant hose as the string that bound them all.

It was seen under the sumptuous gowns that were sometimes voluminous due to layering. Or they come tubular, with the waist emphasized, though the cut was relaxed and the garment draping softly on the model’s body.

The collection highlighted Christian Lacroix’s artistry, his mastery of colors and most of all, perfection of tailoring techniques that he had been employing for the past two decades.

The coup de grace, Lily Cole as the bride; she was the only one who had red hair and a beige flower that matches the color of the bridal gown.

She looked like a Venetian princess with her large red sleeves and flowing full gown. To say that she looked beautiful like all brides are would be an understatement. She’s a fantasy come alive!

No wonder Christian Lacroix was all smiles when he came out to take his bow. His dolls are alive and as stunning as he wanted them to be!

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix