PARIS, Feb 1, 2003/ FW/ -- In a driving rainstorm on Sunday, guests slipped across Place Vendôme to the Hôtel d'Évreux, where José Lévy staged the first show since reorganizing his business.

Entitled "I Hate Rock'N Roll", the event drew a rather large crowd, including the French Minster of Culture.

Even if the weather was inclement, the collection was far from being a washout.

Models trouped down a deep blue runway, showing off tapered jackets, and peaked lapel suits.

Adjustable straps placed on the back of trenches, jackets and sweaters drew at the waist to accentuate an hourglass silhouette.

Lévy displayed no lack of imagination in designing vertical zippered trousers, and belts that dangled with long key chains.

One of the strong points was a collection of cotton knit sweaters, colored deep blue and ornamented with an abstract design resembling tall, thin candles.

If some of the zippered pants got a bit distracting, the otherwise focused collection was polished.

Lévy said afterwards, "I wanted a very dynamic looking silhouette".

That he certainly got, and next season we'll probably get even more.