Alphonse Sene: Spring/Summer 2005 in Luxury Lace
By: Contributing Writer
Photo below: Designer Alphonse Sene in Lille, France
Photo courtesy of Alphonse Sene

PARIS, Nov 26, 2004/ FW/ --- Recently, in Lille, a town in northern France, Senegalese-Lebanese-French designer, Alphonse Sene unveiled his lace and Victorian-inspired Spring/Summer 2005 collection.

"This collection is a homage to women and to lace", said Alphonse Sene in a pre-show interview with Fashion Windows.

He went on to explicate in a most extemporaneous manner, “I love this material because it is great.”

One of the first looks is that of a multicolour top in tulle. The skirt is created through a skilful layering of pleats.

A dress with Victorian pleated neck and semi-balloon bottom half in an olive-beige tone soon followed. This same colour theme is repeated in a layered skirt.

Some of the laces are based on a stretchy material. Thanks to it, the motifs on the lace mould onto the body like body art. Other laces are done in tulle and have intricate embroideries. They are just as lovely as the pants in black stretch lace. It is worn with a mock-neck top in coral. The inspiration for the top can be traced directly back to the sober elegance of the Victorian Age.

The mini dress in white lace and spaghetti straps is hot for the girl with a plan. It will be her best ally in assuring that she has her fair share of romantic suitors. If she is not careful, she just might end up with a certain reputation as being a trollop. I personally adore it for its in-your-face audaciousness!

One pair of pants has a double belt with one whipping round into the front into the form of a new bow. The second belt then races up the shoulder in the sexy form of wide and very feminine suspenders. A word of caution on this one: if you don't have beautiful shoulders, then you don't even need to think about wearing this because only the most beautiful of shoulders could do it justice.

In the snow-white ensemble, the pants were semi-wide and have a dramatically large black belt à la Alexis Morel-Carolton-Colby-Dexter! [I just couldn't wait to say that.] It is worn with two very different, yet inextricably linked tops.

The first of the tops, also in snow white like the pants and second top, is a backless and shoulder less front sheath with a banded semi-collar in pleats in a wispy, translucent material.

The second of these tops is an amazing well below the collarbone and high above the navel bustier. What makes it so amazing is the fact that it is constructed like a corset. That is important, as it will hide a little excess flesh in the wrong places and thusly creating the illusion of a more perfect silhouette. It is perfect for women who like the idea of having this type of look but who indeed lack the necessary motivation to get them to the gym.

As I am one for detail, it would be utterly remiss of me to not speak about Sene's wedding dress. Created in an antique lace dating to 1880, it incarnates the stuff that inspires little girls to want to grow up and become brides. Alphonse was gracious enough to allow me put this wonder through a scrutiny that rivals a senate confirmation hearing. I walked away with only the best impressions about his skill as a designer.

And although the weather on the evening of the show and press conference was the pits, Alphonse Sene's talent and creativity were able to shine through the chilly winds, bringing warmth and depth to one of the couture industry's most cherished fabrics.

Spring 2005 (Photo courtesy of David Sitbon)

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