Wood Wizardry
By Christine Suppes

Paris, July 8th - “It’s going to be all about wood,” this beguiling trio announced three months ago. In January, it was all about precious and semi-precious gemstones. This was a concept that was perhaps easier to grasp---gemstones have been embroidered into couture garments for thousands of years. But wood? on aura tout vu naturally made good on their announcement and we saw an African feel to classically couture garments. Wooden bead bodices, even a wooden “cage” of intricately carved symbols and words over a wedding dress mixed with gowns which were embroidered with the inspiration from twenty-seven varieties of wood beads. This was a tour de force, and something not normally seen in couture. The effect was a melding of classic European design and a folkloric sensibility. Stand-outs included the “My Fair Lady” gown with a high collar of walnut that cascaded to the knee, and a “Citronnier Sun Jacket” embroidered with wood “pearls” over a yellow chiffon short dress with a wood bead and crystal bustier. Accents included large carved combs for the hair, chokers and very long necklaces. The accessories alone are museum-worthy.

This design team is often favored by celebrities such as Tyra Banks of America’s Next Top Model, who recently asked on aura tout vu to dress her contestants during a jaunt to Paris. Fearless and hardworking, on aura tout vu is now receiving international accolades.

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