Couture Cover Up
By Christine Suppes

Paris, July 7th-- Fifty models walked along the circular pyramid. All wore black coats. It didn’t take a genius to figure out the concept: the coats would come off to reveal colorful day and evening wear. The bride, of course, was at the top of the pyramid in a hooded cape. We are covering ourselves up, Our Bodies, Our Selves! This was the biggest cover up in haute couture history, and when the coats were removed by one model after the next, we saw the history of fashion before our eyes. Every shape, cut and color imaginable was on that runway, even a black column gown featuring a rainbow motif down the front. The presentation was spectacular, as black gowns gave way to color, culminating in a fuchsia gown trimmed at the neckline in black lace and at the hem in black feathers. The day suits were lovely, and the gowns were amazing but the coats were the essence of the show. What we took away was the solemnity and severity of fifty women in long dark capes and coats created in all manner of material and style. For the couture client, this kind of public restraint is becoming ever more desirable. As always, Karl Lagerfeld is in complete touch with his time.

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