Marithé + François Girbaud: Defining Fashion Attitudes
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jan 21, 2004/ FW/ --- In a homage to Mr Mantero and the silk trade, the innovative French duo Marithé + François Girbaud, celebrate the tie.

Their 2004/05 autumn winter menswear collection marks the start of a new conceptual adventure, that of the Manga.

Backstage before the show, I was walked through concepts and key elements, the atmosphere joyful and relaxed. These denim and human movement specialists continue to define fashion attitudes.

In a room with large white triangles and luminous square stages, models dance and flow like felines from one platform to another, perhaps thanks to the concept that the shoes they wear are influenced by cats paws and tennis balls cut in half, demonstrating the ability of Girbaud clothes to move and breath.

The tie is given a new dimension, as it weaves its way through the back of jeans and down shirts, forcing the eye to follow the lines and curves as it contours the male shape, bringing attention to the frame as do dangling ties and cords from knitwear and jackets.

Prints on knit and fun mini ties buttoned at the Adam's apple on shirts maintain the trend.

Denim wear is continually researched and technological as corrosion is used to decorate typical tie patterns and lines, while lasers cut the jeans perfectly.

Manga concepts appear in designs on tops and are stitched onto the back of jackets, for the urban cartoon male who makes video clashing cool and trendy.

Defined by the Girbaud as ‘Cross Road Defenders’.

Geometric emerges from the casual as the functional and active take on new notions.

Layering and appliqué result in stylish graces making Marithé + François Girbaud much more than vogue trends, they succeed in changing attitudes.

Marithé + François Girbaud

Marithé + François Girbaud

Marithé + François Girbaud

Marithé + François Girbaud