Crisp Elegance from Givenchy Homme
by Timothy Hagy
PARIS, July 5, 2005 - It was no wonder that Ozwald Boateng saluted Yves
Carcelle during his runway appearance at he end of the Givenchy Homme show
for Summer 2006. Carcelle, the amiable president of Louis Vuitton, has long
been one of the designer’s biggest supporters and was, in many ways,
responsible for his appointment to the House of Givenchy when it decided to
launch its first ever men’s line.
Three seasons in Boateng seems to have settled comfortably into the task of
inventing a wardrobe worthy of a French gentleman. He’s developed a set of
codes that work, and while they may not have the ethnic mix that he gives his
eponymous label, they sing with Parisian chic. What was presented on the
catwalk, was a solid, risk-free collection notable for its sharply tailored
suits and form fitting shirts.
A vest was opened in a giant V to display an ornate shirt with rounded
collar. Shimmering suits gave way to a bronze lamé sleeveless jacket; tops
became transparent and sweaters were cut with oversized oval necklines.
The crispness of cool grays and whites contrasted with shades of pale sea
foam, which was even used to mold a magnificent tuxedo. Elsewhere poppy-red
and goldenrod splashed brilliant color along the catwalk.
Carcelle said before the show that his wife, Rebecca, was on the boat in St.
Tropez, and it looked as if the entire Givenchy Homme collection belonged
there with her.
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