Givenchy by Julien Macdonald: His Best One Yet
By Mari Davis

PARIS, Jan 22, 2004/ FW/ --- In a return to haute couture roots; Givenchy opted for an intimate runway show at its atelier at Avenue George V.

And even in this very intimate setting, the House was able to attract the only bonafide celebrity appearances in this otherwise celebrity-bereft season.

Liv Tyler, star of the current Hollywood box office hit “Lord of the Rings” and Christina Aguilera, albeit very late, but made up for it by wearing sexy Givenchy outfit.

The show also marked the first public appearance of designer Ozwald Boateng in a Givenchy runway show since he was tapped to be the Artistic Director of Givenchy Homme.

All that said, this Givenchy haute couture collection is Julien Macdonald’s “best one yet,” commented Alan Casden, member of the American contingent who comes to Paris twice a year with their wives and/or daughters to see the haute couture shows, and eventually purchase something.

“It’s a very nice collection,” Mr. Casden commented after the show. “Very exquisite detailing,” he added.

When asked if he will buy one or thinking of buying one, he immediately said, “For that question, you have to ask my wife Susan,” as he pointed to a very beautiful blonde woman looking very chic in her Chanel couture suit.

Coming from a couture client, that’s the best compliment that Julien Macdonald can have.

Since his appointment at Givenchy, his career has been marked by uneven reviews from the fashion press. And this time, the kudos was coming from someone who actually spends money on couture, and in the business part of fashion, that is what counts.

Alan Casden’s observation about this collection is very astute.

Beginning with the opening piece of a trench coat with bold lacy embroidered cut outs on the hem and collars signaled that Julien Macdonald is beginning to internalize the hallmark of Givenchy – the emphasis is on the silhouette, not the embellishments.

As each model pass by, the exquisite embroidery and detailing, like what Mr. Casden mentioned was very apparent.

The strapless wedding gown adorned with minute crystals and jewelry, and the waist emphasized by tiny ruching on the bodice and the blue and silver gown adorned only with a woven crystal vest worn like an armor, said it all.

Givenchy by Julien Macdonald

Givenchy by Julien Macdonald

Givenchy by Julien Macdonald

Givenchy by Julien Macdonald