PARIS, July 28, 2004/ FW/ --- The French label De Fursac, now signed by its very British artistic director Julia Smith, (photo at left) made its entry onto the French fashion calendar in grand style with its first fashion show for the international press. The style of this Spring/Summer 2005 collection simply leaps out at you.

The talented Ms. Smith brought together the traditional elegance and style of De Fursac with her own dash of personality and individualism. Beautiful, well tailored suits that can be taken apart and worn as individual pieces dominate this collection.

The lines and cuts would make it most difficult for anyone to believe that a Miss Smith rather than a Mister Smith is responsible for its sleek edge. However, she has found a way to determine what we men want and how to give it to us.

The pants and slacks have either straight or slim legs to them. They are right in line with what male consumers will be buying wearing in a year’s time. They are also constructed in such a way that men just look sexier. This is the same for her slacks and her jeans.

My guess is that it is in part due to the small zippers which immediately draw attention to a man’s natural assets. This is evidenced by her straight jeans in green with slim legs. They also, make for a more attractive backside.

Although I’ve never really been a great ideological fan of large, square pockets or of their practicality, in this collection they do give a look of ruggedness to the overall elegance of the pieces. They will certainly find appeal among older and younger men looking for a reason to dress for any occasion.

The array of leather jackets is also quite nice. They are generally waist cropped and come in black, white, grey, etc. Whether wearing one of them or watching someone else clad in one, they always make for just the right affect on the eyes!

I judge the collection to be a thorough and complete success. However, I must add my own angry interjection: “How dare Ms. Smith use fuchsia in some of her men’s suits without inviting me to wear one of them down the runway?”

Doesn’t she know that colour is only for heroic men who are fearless and unafraid to dress as an individual? I’m sure that she does, and that is exactly why her well calculated colour gamble should pay off in a royal flush for De Fursac during the editorial season.

All of this leads me to conclude that Ms. Smith (who by the way is no push over in the beauty department either) knows what men want. And that is to be perceived at all times as masculine, sexy and with the look and intelligence of someone who is not a fashion victim, but rather a lover of style.

De Fursac

De Fursac

De Fursac

De Fursac