Marcel Marongiu Fall 2004: What Every Woman Wants To Wear
By Contributing Writer

PARIS, Mar 7, 2004/ FW/ --- Marcel Marongiu pleased and delighted his wind-chilled guests with an accomplished collection at the outdoor presentation of his Fall/Winter 2004-2005 collection.

Guests arriving at the Marongiu show were treated to hors d'oeuvres and vodka shots to chase away the chill. Practically all guess, including yours truly, did partake in what is now a common ritual at such an event. (Readers will be pleased to know that I drank with great moderation!!!)

A brass band playing both flat and sharp notes as models made their way on a runway conceived in ice chips and flakes. An elegant black coat over a lace dress embellished only with a stunning sequins and paillette cummerbund set the tone. It was followed by black leather looks and a gray tweed coat.

The black cashmere sweater and gray tweed skirt ensemble were all about simple elegance and sophistication. Then came the furs...

Sitting front row was fashion stylist Christine Steinitz, who was posed to steal the show in her fabulous full-length black mink coat. However, Marongiu made sure that there would be no upsets that night with his own furs presented in black and white patterns. His coat was sumptuous. It is the kind of marvel that would make a girl like Cruella Deville beg for more!

Mme. Steinitz said after the show, "The collections represents what women really want to wear." That is important to know for retailers who were all present along with the top press.

A spirited mint green dress then made a great slash. His knickers with little bows on the side are really to die for.

Marongiu's fuchsia pieces were breathtaking. One of his fuchsia creations looked as though it had been draped in the tradition of couture instead of cut from a pattern. That gave the dress a distinctive look that is most pleasing to the eye and even more pleasing when in motion.

Of the most dazzling pieces from the collection were a long black dress made from intermixed leather and shear black fabric and a black lace dress made entirely from very thin leather. And please let us not forget the slinky evening gown in cream sequins with a black sheer overlay. Any woman wearing either of these creations is certain to not "go gently into the night" or at least not to go into it alone.

In an interview with FASHION WINDOWS Marongiu declared, "It's the launch of the more special, unique Marongiu line. It's like nouvelle couture. It's less ladylike and more young."

Upon hearing the word couture in Marcel's response, one American journalist said, "Couture! The other line is already so expensive."

Well, that just goes to prove that one gets what one pays for, and particularly when it is a question of style, quality and Marongiu...