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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