PARIS, Jul 4, 2006/ FW/ --- Gaspard Yurkievich is a designer who pretty much always gets it right with his women’s wear but sometimes leaves us scratching our heads when it comes to dressing the boys. With the looks assemble for summer 2007 however he seems to have targeted a wider audience and, although the trade mark eccentricities were still in place, the collection was definitely of a much broader appeal.

The show opened with a shinny silver suit, the fabric showing a textured pattern that resembled the grain of wood.

Instead of trousers however we were treated to shorts that allowed black and white knee length socks to feature, rising from Converse style basketball sneakers.

The broad stripes of a boat necked T-shirt completed the look and gave the impression of a skater going to an awards ceremony – a feeling that was repeated later with smart backpacks fashioned perhaps with carrying a skate board in mind.

In other guises the same style of accessory appeared later in the form of oversized black leather shoulder bags whose tressed straps added a touch of luxury.

The same material was also used for visors of which the chinstraps brought equestrian bridles to mind and this mix of reference points was repeated with thick chain necklaces sporting leather strap elements that would grace the chicest of handbags.

Polka dots seem to be a favourite of Yurkievich and their subtle manifestation was transposed from the winter collection as they appeared as white points on a reflective silver bomber which, with its large cut and elasticized waistband, created a ball shaped silhouette.

Many items from the collection weren’t really as way out as could be expected from this designer; several of the pieces could almost pass as being conservative but in either the details or the styling a rebellious nature always found its voice.

Black and white striped shirts for example would have been mundane were it not for the length at the back which reached the mid-thigh and geometric print fine-gauge pullovers may have been unremarkable if not given a shrunken air by their placement over shirts.

Yurkievich may or may not have had the intention of doing so but with this collection he managed to be both creative and commercial, alternative and conventional.

Gaspard Yurkievich

Gaspard Yurkievich

Gaspard Yurkievich

Gaspard Yurkievich