PARIS, Jan 30, 2003/ --- In his first men's store, which opened on rue Montpensier next to the Palais Royale in central Paris, iconic Belgian designer Martin Margiela presented a showroom collection of looks for fall 2003.

As is his style, Margiela created often ordinary-looking clothes that transcend the ordinary with innovative cuts, fabric treatment and all-round concepts.

For example, when the famously reclusive Margiela produced a green, zippered jacket it was actually made from the top half of a parachute jumpsuit with the legs attached as sleeves.

The original waterproofing of the fabric means that it's impossible to dye, so won't be available in fashion-favorite black.

In this ninth men's season the look is all about details as subtle as anatomic (twisting) trouser legs or sweater sleeves, or as evident as a jacket composed of a medley of over-dyed ribbed army sweater shawl collar on a cord jacket with padded leather perfecto sleeves attached.

It was the first time that Margiela has ever done an anorak and his version reads more like a navy ski jacket with large diagonal zips.

Continuing a sporty vibe, the designer created desirable slouchy pants from a patchwork of differently-hued sweatshirt fabrics.

Margiela has a strong arty following, which a lot of his clothes, like waistcoats cut from real vintage jackets or jeans in superimposed fabrics, will please.

Others will find clothes that work equally well in a conservative environment such as a fitted, navy double-breasted coat.

But whatever the style, Margiela's personal touch always shone through. A sensible pair of boots was actually made from reversed and brushed leather and funky sneakers with fat laces came from re-conditioned army training originals with extra lace holes added.

Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela