PARIS, Jul 3, 2003/ FW/ --- Canadian designer Philippe Dubuc said backstage "Last winter I brought snow with me, and this time I brought sand".

Charmed by tritons and sirens, his Spring / Summer 2004 collection was an essay in breezy sportswear.

Azure powder was feathered with deep sapphire blue to form the runway in an arts center in the Marais district of Paris.

The first official show kicked off men's fashion week on a sultry Friday afternoon, and with the temperature climbing, Dubuc's official sponsor Moët et Chandon came to the rescue with iced bottles of Brut Impérial champagne.

In contrast to last winter's collection, which was seemingly cut with a lumberjack physique in mind, Dubuc's summer look was tapered and fine. White redingotes were tossed atop T-shirts splashed with abstract designs by Quebec artist Zilon.

Oyster-colored jackets were paired with a genuine pearl: knee length gathered asymmetrical shorts.

Lemon meringue blazers came whipped with bright saffron lapels, as turquoise tubing piped around collars and sleeves.

Translucent shirts and mesh sleeveless vests looked oh so super cool.

As ornaments, turquoise streamers clung to shirttails, leather coils fell from the waist and light blue plastic strips wrapped around the neck.

Polished and understated, this show was a winner.

Philippe Dubuc has been named by Sportwear International of Milan as one of 20 new designers to watch, and with his most recent collection, the gathering wave began visibly to swell.