By Timothy Hagy, Paris Editor

PARIS, January 25, 2006 - The Franck Sorbier couture show took place amid a tropical garden set up on the stage of the Lido off the Champs Elysées. Waterfalls and fountains made for dramatic staging, while models rose on a circular platform, ferns attached to their heads.

A taffeta gown came with a bustier that burst into bloom of hand painted petals of organza. A jacket of scalloped chiffon fluttered among the fog and mists. Elsewhere, a kaleidoscope of tropical colors and the glistening effect of crystal embroidery rounded out the collection. With accessory jewelry supplied by Cartier from the "Caresse d'Orchidée" line, the crochet, lace, plumes and sequins made for delightful pieces from a designer who is a constant favorite among the French bourgeoisie.

"I've often asked what the ideal garden would be," Sorbier wrote in program notes. "The family of love birds is happy to offer you the flowers of its tender garden." In an homage to femininity, the collection was intended to evoke the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

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