PARIS, Mar 9, 2004/ FW/ --- Tom Ford who is known for his impeccable timing chose the 1997 Chinese collection of Yves Saint Laurent as inspiration of his farewell collection for the venerable French fashion house.

The collection that coincided with the launch of “Opium” in 1997 also coincides with Paris’ celebration of the Year of China that started last January.

And most of all, it showed one of Tom Ford’s best asset – a fashion instinct that is always on the mark.

China is a fashion hot bed right now. Aptly nicknamed the “Sleeping Giant,” the country is now waking up and has a hunger for luxury goods. Most French fashion houses that includes PPR’s biggest rival LVMH have opened a store in China to service this burgeoning market.

So for his farewell collection, Tom Ford gave the Gucci Group’s new bosses, Serge Weinberg and Francois Henri Pinault (who attended the show) a final gift – a Chinese inspired collection that will surely be a commercial hit come fall.

Using ruby, red, scarlet, chartreuse and turquoise as the main color palette, Tom Ford revisited the famous pagoda shoulders that he chose to make more rounded than the original squared look by Yves Saint Laurent.

Working on the chinoiserie theme, it appeared on as embroideries on boots and tiny purses, in furs shaved in the pattern of dragon’s scales or on tight jet beaded jacket as shiny as a lacquered cabinet.

But it was the fragile cheongsam that brought the house down. Tom Ford sent Tiu in a halter-top gown that sleekly fitted her every curve, making her a modern day Chinese princess.

This collection, though based on the past is not stale nor had any shades of the Forbidden City’s decadence. It is contemporary and modern, something that a woman will wear from Paris, New York to Los Angeles, even Shanghai itself.

The collection was polished, mature and most of all perfectly pitched, an inkling of what Tom Ford would have done had he stayed on as a designer for the House.

Now, all of this are “what might have been,” when Tom Ford took his bow and embraced Domenico De Sole, who will be stepping down with him from the Gucci Group at the end of April.

The Rodin Museum, which was bathed in Chinese lantern glow might have hosted one of Tom Ford’s best collection, yet the focus is on the man, not the clothes.

Tears were shed and hugs were exchanged at the end of the show. Backstage, it was a pandemonium as friends, fans and clients of the Texan designer came in to congratulate him and say “au revoir.”

Tearing an overwrought woman off the shoulder of his red velvet smoking jacket, Tom Ford said in a good Texas humor, “Oh, come on. I’m just takin’ a break, that’s all!”

To some he said, “I’ll see you in Los Angeles in two weeks,” referring to the Walk of Style Award he will be receiving at the end of the month in Rodeo Drive.

To others, again in good Texas humor he said, “I ain’t dead yet.”

And he was right on target with that one. Tom Ford might have left fashion, but he will continue to titillate us with his talent when he moves to Hollywood. He will still be on the public eyes.

The Walk of Style Award is just the first kudos he will receive from Tinseltown. It will not be surprising that one of these days; he will be standing at the podium at the Shrine Auditorium saying, “I would like to thank the Academy…”

And we are looking forward that moment!

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford

YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford