Space bug invades Paris fashion
Following last week’s Milan shows, where futurism was one of the key themes for next spring/summer and many designers turned the catwalk into a “moon walk”, their French counterparts appear to have caught the space bug, too, writes Hilary Alexander
Fashion is entering a new Space Age. Following last week’s Milan shows, where futurism was one of the key themes for next spring/summer and many designers turned the catwalk into a “moon walk”, their French counterparts appear to have caught the space bug, too.
The Paris prêt-a-porter season opened yesterday with the designer Christophe Decarnin taking a Star Wars theme, based on bright white and metal, for his spring/summer 2007 collection for Balmain.
The clothes shone like laser beams. White chiffon “bubble” dresses were suspended from elaborate silver collars and draped goddess minis in verdigris-green were embellished with gilded halters.
Silver mesh toga-dresses were bloused and swathed low on the hip and slashed open at the back to reveal spinal cleavage, while slim, long-sleeved shifts were made from dazzling silver and gold lamé and decorated with metallic hardware. One dress was even designed for lift-off, complete with “angel” wings of pleated chiffon.
Elsewhere, the space theme took on rock ‘n’ roll and equestrian inspirations with tattered, silver-sequinned T-shirts and micro-vests, worn with baggy, metallic riding breeches and harem trousers.
The Paris fashion week, last date on the international designer catwalk calendar, continues until the weekend with the unveiling of collections for Chanel, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.
