PARIS, Jan 24, 2005/ FW/ --- In a collection with the elegance and grace of a butterfly, French couturier Stephane Saunier bowed to his audience that included Ivana Trump who gave him a well deserved standing ovation.

Sponsored by Bvlgari, the collection featured beautiful pieces of jewelry that is worth a king’s ramson. Yet, the jewellery are just a few of the gems shown, because Stephane Saunier, by just doing what he does best, proved that haute couture is alive and well.

Opening with a gargantuan pink rose that was only seen for a second as the first model walked out wearing rose colored pantsuit encrusted with tiny roses, it was obvious from the very beginning that the collection is about elegance and grace of the legendary times updated for the modern world.

Using traditional crafts of embroidery, beading, macramé and crochet, the couturier sent 40 pieces on the runway that sent couture clients sitting at the front row taking notes on the run-of-show. They were shopping! And usually, this is a good sign for all couturiers that are competing for the 1500 or so clientele that attend the shows.

The papillon was the center of the collection, appearing as a headdress or embroidered on the gown. Sometimes, it was used as an appliqué, or a bustle, even beaded at times.

Everything was lovely from the pantsuit sets to the day dresses and evening gowns. But it was the last three pieces that brought down the house, specially the finale wherein the model became a butterfly!

With floor-length sleeves as the wings, the slender model looked like a butterfly goddess that descended to earth to mesmerize the humans that were all awed with its beauty.