PARIS, Oct 2, 2007 / FW / --- With Karen Carpenter singing ‘Close To You’ on the soundtrack and Princess Mabel of the Netherlands sitting on the front row, models came out from an open mouth of a larger than life photo of supermodel Shalom Harlow.

The audience who were used to extravagant Viktor & Rolf shows was pleasantly surprised with a relatively tame catwalk presentation that featured quiet elegance and silent grace.

An all-white ensemble composed of wide legged trousers and a white tunic with ¾ sleeves decorated with ruffled collar and a single rose announced that the inspiration for the collection was the mime Marcel Marceau who passed away last Sep 22, 2007 at the age of 84.

And though it is easy to speculate that the Dutch design duo planned this collection even before Marcel Marceau died, it is also pertinent to mention that Marcel Marceau’s silent art form is very relevant in a Paris season where clothes are doing the talking and quiet elegance rules.

Hence, with only the crystal clear voice of Karen Carpenter filling the airwaves (the music was mixed, but it was all based on ‘Close To You’ by The Carpenters), models walked the runway in pink A-line skirts with hemlines that reached just above the knee. Paired with short-sleeved tunics that are sometimes adorned with a violin, either as a print, embroidery or a real one, there was a poignant feeling of refinement and poise.

Pieces of lace were cut in rectangles, and then used as appliqués on white dresses or pink frocks. A pantsuit set in black & white, done in vertical, i.e., the left side black and the right side was white was again a reference to the muse of the collection.

Silence is an art form and it can also speak volumes. With this collection, Viktor & Rolf showed that clothes do not need to be loud to be noticed. So, while elegance is quiet, it is not really silent. It whispers and caresses you with a beauty that is peaceful and calm.

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf