News: Paris Haute Couture Show Spring 2002

End of An Era, Start of A New One

PARIS, Jan 24, 2002/ FW/ --- When Yves Saint Laurent announced his retirement last January 7, there was a hush in the fashion world. His retirement meant that the fashion world lost a very talented couturier and designer.

The Haute Couture Spring 2002 season said farewell to its king, if not its prince.

During YSL's farewell show, "2000 fans, clients, critics and old friends crowded into the Pompeidou center, while thousands more watched outside," where the show was projected onto giant screens.

It was a "marathon" show, lasting 90 min (runway shows usually lasts only 15 minutes) with hundreds of models parading the runways with YSL's creations for the past 40 years. It was a retrospective - sweet and poignant, a farewell worthy of fashion royalty.

But even before the king has formally abdicated, the contenders to the throne have shown their stuff.

Jean Paul Gaultier's collection showed that he is a worthy successor. Revolutionary and clever, the collection more than showed off Jean Paul Gaultier's talent. As Godfrey Deeny put it, "Jean-Paul Gaultier who, with a stunning collection, put one hand on the crown. "

Donatella Versace's collection was "incredible" as Chelsea Clinton put it. A very sexy collection, wit "Spanish influences jazzed up with Centurion frills that were both hot and chic." That puts her on the running for the Queen. Will the fashion world be matriarchal? It was at one time, when Coco Chanel was at her best.

Hip and creative John Galliano is also a contender to the throne. His work at Dior and under his own label show his wide range as a designer.

And let us not forget Valentino, Emanuel Ungaro and Karl Lagerfeld. A favorite of fashionistas and celebrities, their names are synonymous with great design.

Of course, Karl Lagerfeld has an edge. After all, it is safe to say that both YSL and him reigned over the fashion world together.