PARIS, Oct 1, 2007/ FW/ --- With a photo of Nice, France on the invitation, it was natural for journalists and editors to assume that the collection was about the French Riviera.

So, Robert Normand took everyone by surprise when he sent a kaleidoscope of printed dresses and frocks that is reminiscent of Japanese dolls. In fact, according to his short press notes, the ‘gray or black graphic silhouette’ is evocative of the spirit of bushido.

But, Robert Normand did not stay in Japan. He moved towards the equator, in Indonesia and used the traditional batik dying techniques to create vivid prints.

The fast-paced runway show featured t-shirt dresses, body-hugging minis, one-piece swimsuits and plaid walking shorts. And, like most designers here in Paris this season, there was no obvious theme or story being told. For Robert Normand, the prints were the elements that bound the collection.

For some strange reason, the idea that a runway show presentation should tell a story, i.e., there is a beginning, middle and ending has become passé for Spring 2008. This phenomenon has only emerged here in Paris, with both New York and Milan shows following the ‘story line’ format.

Hopefully, this so-called new format is just a passing fancy here in Paris because it will truly be sad if a collection has no coherent message because the creativity that drives designers will be gone and the only thing that will be highlighted is commerce.

This is not to say that Robert Normand’s collection is not good, because it truly has a lot of merits. The designer did a lot of research to come out with this collection. Truly, no one can blame him for following the ‘no storyline’ trend.

Still, it is sad to see a young designer, especially Robert Normand whose Fall 2007 collection was very coherent and focused lose its effect simply because of the current ‘no storyline’ line of thought.

Robert Normand

Robert Normand

Robert Normand

Robert Normand