For Wunderkind’s Parisian debut, Wolfgang Joop fittingly chose the historic Theatre National de Chaillot to unveil his collection seemingly based on 18th century America and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘Scarlet Letter.’

With classical music playing on the background, the first model walked out wearing slouchy pants and a snug fitting jacket and a Quaker hat! That immediately set the tone of the collection, making a blogger call it ‘The Quaker Collection’ under his breath.

What followed was a 21st century interpretation of the ‘Scarlet Letter’ costumes, Hester Prynne sporting a rose instead of the red letter A.

Lace crochet apron dresses with an additional volume thanks to the petticoat, trench coats with prints of dainty roses, conquistador shorts, long-sleeved mini dresses rolled at the hem, and the placket done in rivets and closed with strings reminiscent of the Native American costume.

It’s very modern, with’country’ sweetness atmosphere, probably because 18th century America will always feel provincial to us.

Giving a nod to the black & white trend sweeping the fashion capitals this season, Joop sent sleeveless mini dresses in black lace and ecru trench coats.

What made this collection very interesting and special is Joop’s innovative use of rivets, using it to create pleats. Instead of using sewing the fabric together, Joop attached the fold together with rivets. This fabrication was seen in dresses, coats and also in trousers.

Too bad that majority of the fashion press was still in route from Milan to Paris early Sunday morning, because they missed an innovative and philosophical collection.

Because like in the ‘Scarlet Letter’ where the letter ‘A’ in the end meant ‘Able’ instead of the derogatory ‘Adulterer,’ the Wunderkind Spring 2007 collection is meant to empower women without losing their sweet countenance.