By Timothy Hagy

PARIS, January 31 - Japanese designer Masakï Matsushïma showed a collection long in repetition and short in fresh ideas on Monday at noon. While the clothes were by no means as powerful as previous seasons, all was not lost. A jacket with intricate chocolate strips inlaid around the collar, or patchwork pants with a series of two-toned flaps streaming down the legs provided contrast to busy zigzag print suits that resembled a computer screen in meltdown. Models sporting hair plastered back and gathered into spiked ponytails did nothing to help matters. Nor did the peculiar fittings that had trouser cuffs ranging from over the top of paten leather loafers to above ankle level, all worn without socks.