PARIS, Jul 7, 2004/ FW/ --- No mere raindrops could dampen the spirits or the travel plans of Paul & Joe designer Sophie Albou.(photo at left) Showing at the Cochin Hospital in Paris, the French designer made a big splash with her collection as for the first time, all the world’s top international press including GQ, Vogue, Sportwear International, Figaro, le Monde, IHT, along with Fashion Windows etc. were front row and center for the presentation.

Ms. Albou has honed her skills and eye to what men want. She designs for men, cuts for men’s and creates for men. One finds it hard to believe that a woman is behind the creative look of some of the world’s most stylish men.

The double-breasted suit with gold buttons in the collection is well tailored. It has a very refined quality to it.

Among the variety of choice picks from this travellers’ collection are plaid pants, a bomber in teal and stylish white shoes. Albou’s sleeveless cotton shirt in multiple colors can be worn with either simple pants or jeans, or even dressier slacks for a sleeker look.

Albou’s Pencil thin pants really dominated parts of the collection. Her plaid shirts and pants have an old western feel to them. They made me want to order some episodes of hit programs like Gunsmoke or The Rifleman.

The V-neck, four button cardigans provided a great contrast to the western pieces. They represent the cool man’s chic of the season, as does her yellow pants with white stripes.

A favourite among retailers should be her tank top in black with the French Coq yellow. It’s young and easy to wear.

Sophie Albou also did wonders with ruffles. She took them as her own invention, making more accessible for everyday wear. They are a world away from the all too formal ones that are normally associated to ruffles.

Albou is very strong in making trousers. Her yellow thin-legged pants with stripes have a slimming affect. She also did pants with lace-like detailing running vertically down the side. That along with her low waist pants and hipster jeans show how well she understands the male silhouette and what we men love.

Paul & Joe is internationally sold in France, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, South Corea, Indonesia and Australia. The splash made by this traveller’s collection should consolidate the reputation of Paul & Joe in other international markets as well as firmly establish Sophie Albou as one of fashion’s more solid menswear designers.

Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe