">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Sun and ice meet at Paris haute couture shows
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
Sun and ice meet at Paris haute couture shows
By JENNY BARCHFIELD,Associated Press Writer AP - 57 minutes ago
PARIS - Paris blew hot and cold on Tuesday with haute couture shows that evoked a frosty ice queen and the summer sun of southwestern France.
Chanel stayed true to its sober style, sending out a snowy collection of sharp suits and lean gowns that glittered with frost-colored sequins.
Christian Lacroix, a native of the sun-drenched southwestern French city of Arles, managed to scatter the clouds in overcast Paris with his vibrant spring-summer display.
At Givenchy, designer Riccardo Tisci married feather-light fabrics with leather straps that had an S&M quality about them to create a subversive-yet-feminine look.
His was among the strongest shows yet of the three-day-long haute couture week, which wraps up on Wednesday with displays by Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Elie Saab.
CHANEL
Sequins and rhinestones sparkled like icicles on A-line cocktail dresses, which were paired with abbreviated bellboy jackets and short-sleeve caplets that fitted squarely over the shoulder.
Nowhere was the expert work of the label's famed "petites mains" _ the seamstresses and embroiderers who hand-stitch the made-to-measure garments _ as evident as on the collection's evening gowns.
Long and lean, the architectural dresses shimmered with thousands of sequins and feathery strips of chiffon. Designer Karl Lagerfeld also paired white matchstick trousers with long capes, their hemlines heavy with beadwork.
Bond girl Olga Kurylenko hailed the collection as "absolutely stunning."
"It was so elegant, the lines were so modern and graphic, and it was a mix or romanticism with modernism," the Ukrainian-born actress and model told The Associated Press.
Papery white camellias, Chanel's trademark flower, adorned the garments and the models' hair _ some on wiry crowns of thorns. Framed by a bonnet of white petals, one model's face was like the center of a flower.
CHRISTIAN LACROIX
Lacroix described the collection as a return to his roots in the southwestern French city of Arles, which, with its warm weather and bullfighting rings, has a Spanish feel. It drew on all the designer's signature elements, from eyepopping colors to polka-dot prints to heavy brocade and matador costumes.
"It's the flowers, the summer, the south" of France, he told The AP in a backstage interview. "I take those elements, which have been there since my very first collection, and try to update them."
Tufts of crinoline and ornate appliques added a baroque touch to short cocktail dresses in a rainbow of saturated colors.
Lacroix borrowed from the wardrobe of Arles' matadors, adding toreador touches to much of the collection. A red sash punctuated a gorgeous ruffled pantsuit in navy and white polka dots.
Even the bride, who was swathed in layers of ivory tulle, wore a matador's jacket in baby blue with heavy gold embroidery.
The show, held at Paris' Pompidou Center modern art museum, was heavy on accessories. Models wore chunky plastic bangles stacked up to their skinny elbows and rhinestone-studded hoop earrings so heavy they had to be tied onto their heads with ribbon.
Ivana Trump, the former wife of billionaire developer Donald Trump, called the show "amazing."
"It's a gorgeous spectacle, as always," said Trump, one of the rare women who purchase the wildly expensive made-to-measure haute couture garments. "I'm a good customer."
GIVENCHY
The first look set the tone for the rest of the kinky, feminine collection: A translucent beige tulle blouse revealed the outline of a bra-like harness of black leather and silver chains.
Airy goddess gowns in pastel hues were given a S&M kick by patent-leather straps that peeked out from beneath delicate folds on the bodice or crisscrossed bare backs.
French actress Emmanuelle Seigner said her favorite look was a series of dresses made out of elastic bands draped in ivory lace _ like a chic mummy bride.
Asked whether she thought the dresses, which left little to the imagination, were wearable, Seigner replied "but of course," with a saucy smile.
Chains played a subtler role in Tuesday's show, where they were integrated into the structure of the dresses.
The collection managed to be fashion-forward while remaining consistent with Gothic-romantic look Tisci has developed since he took over at Givenchy in 2005.
ZUHAIR MURAD
Even Hans Christian Andersen wouldn't recognize the little mermaid imagined by Zuhair Murad. The Lebanese designer sent out a deep sea seductress in sparkling metallics and strategically placed shells.
The show was made up of endless evening gowns which, tight through the bust and torso, flared out into kicky mermaid tails. Warm tones of orange, beige and blue dominated, and pleated aqua-colored silks undulated like water.
The dresses were embroidered with chunks of real coral and bits of broken sea shells _ in addition to what seemed like tons of sequins and rhinestones.
Models carried clutches shaped like shells, and the perilously high platform heels were similarly embellished.
Murad, who caters to a moneyed Middle Eastern clientele, shows on the margins of Paris' haute couture week.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle
Obama provides competition for `American Idol'AP - 41 minutes ago
Sun and ice meet at Paris haute couture showsAP - 57 minutes ago
A once-great family faces decline in 'Aristocrats'AP - 1 hour 2 minutes ago
Bruce Springsteen to launch world tourReuters - 1 hour 55 minutes ago
Sebastian Barry wins Britain's Costa book awardAFP - 1 hour 59 minutes ago
Most Popular – Entertainment
Viewed
Obama lobbies for $825 bln stimulus to thwart recession
Caterpillar to slash 20,000 jobs
Obama begins teardown of Bush climate policy
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
Barclays bank shares sky-rocket after bailout fears fade
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Iran: Soccer club dismantles women's team
Pentagon sees limit on U.S. troops in Afghanistan
| International
|
Baghdad seeks `normal' footing on unsteady legs
US-TECH Summary
Russia accuses Georgia of 'capturing' soldier
Gaza ceasefire strained by killings
Britain told to publish Iraq war discussions
| International
|
Two suspected Italian mafia bosses arrested in Spain
Traffic to US newspaper websites up 16 pct: Nielsen Online
Oscar Awards Sues Scam Ticket Package Sellers
"Lipstick Jungle" Stage Manager Charged With Stealing The Show's Designer Items
Israel's Holocaust museum reaches out to Muslims
Fed eyes new tools to ease crisis, instill confidence
Venezuela not ready to invite back U.S. ambassador
| International
|
Hackers steal online details from job seekers
London mayor ribs Obama over British 'crank' hacker
Pope rehabilitates Holocaust denier, Jews shocked
| International
|
New York state to probe 'billions' in Merrill bonuses
Tragedy stalks Gaza family
| International
|
Obama sells stimulus to reluctant Republicans
US consumer confidence sags to record low
Humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka: ICRC
| International
|
Council of Jews snubs German Holocaust ceremony
| International
|
Russia's new patriarch seen as modernizer
| International
|
Iran rebels resist leaving Iraq, fear for future
| International
|
Afghanistan is top US priority: Pentagon chief
NATO: 3,000 US troops deploy near Afghan capital
Multilateral nuclear talks with NKorea 'essential': Clinton
EU scientific body raises health alarm on MP3s
| Technology
|
Japanese boat seized by Russia off Sea of Japan
Plan would allow commercial whaling around Japan
Red Cross: Hundreds killed in Sri Lankan war zone
Downed U.S. Airways Passengers Think $5,000 Is Not Enough Compensation
Fears for civilians grow as Sri Lanka hammers rebels
Ex-IBM exec to go to Apple as lawsuit settled
| Technology
|
Jimmy Carter Warns Israel Faces Catastrophe If No Palestinian State
Indonesian police open fire on Papuan protesters: witnesses
Update: House Republican Leaders Ask Members To Vote Against President's $825 Billion Stimulus
FedEx Cargo Plane Crash-Lands In Texas, 2 Injured
China to begin projecting military around the world: analysts
House Judiciary Panel Subpoenas Karl Rove On Alleged Politically Motivated Dismissals
Pacific leaders demand Fiji call 2009 elections
Boston Asks Unions To Agree To Wage Freeze
EU, China to hold fence-mending meeting this week
Largest Producer Of Cardboard Box Materials In The U.S. Files For Bankruptcy
Chinese premier ready to work with Europe
Mass Transits Report Hike In Riders, Fund Decline
Defense Sec. Gates Tells House Panel 'Afghanistan Will Be A Long And Difficult Fight'
India's Satyam will pay January salaries
India Satyam board names bankers to advise on sale, other options
Nomura posts record 3Q loss amid global turmoil
John Updike dies, aged 76
| Entertainment
|
Pepsi going down to wire with Super Bowl ad choice
| Entertainment
|
Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Will Fail To Stop Drought, Higher Sea Levels
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
John Updike dies aged 76
Outspoken Kirill elected new Russian patriarch
John Updike, prize-winning writer, dead at age 76
French designers defy the global downturn
Oscars org seeks to block ticket sales
Springsteen announces world tour
Tourism numbers may fall by two percent in 2009: UN
Stars vie with hard times at Berlin film fest
Nearsightedness May Be Prevented By Sending Children Outdoors More Often
Hudson River Plane Crash Survivors Say $5,000 Is Not Adequate Compensation
Study: Popularity And Social Status May Stem From Genetics
Lawyer says Iraqi spy suspect fled Saddam's regime
Pentagon sees limit on U.S. troops in Afghanistan
| International
|
Senators say contractor should be punished
posts net loss but beats expectations
Taliban say Guantanamo closure positive step
| International
|
U.S. calls Afghanistan "greatest military challenge"
Plan unveiled for electric car charging network in Denmark
Gaza violence clouds US envoy's first Mideast mission
Monster data fraud hits job seekers
Afghanistan top priority, but goals limited: Gates
Children, cell phones and traffic don't mix: study
Firefighters find 25 bodies in Madagascar store
| International
|
Ex-IBM exec to go to Apple as lawsuit settled
New puzzle challenges come to PlayStation Network
Children, cell phones and traffic don't mix: study
Blowfish poisoning sends 7 to hospital in Japan
UK launches Google for films search engine
| Technology
|
Fiji leader told to hold elections this year
Mullen: Iranian arms probably were bound for Gaza
Obama urged to pressure China on human rights
California octuplets breathing on their own
World relieved as US starts to repair Bush 'damage': Clinton
Venezuela: Diplomacy with US on hold despite Obama
Author John Updike Dead At 76
Wall Street Shakes Off Employment Data, Stocks Finish Higher
Lawmakers mull Internet, wireless tax credits
| Technology
|
Wall Street Shakes Of Confidence Data, Rises On Strong Corporate Earnings
Los Angeles Man Kills Self, Family Over Job Situtation
Citigroup Execs Scrap Plans To Buy New Luxury Jet
Seoul shares rise;Samsung, Hynix up on Qimonda woe
S.Korea Jan consumer sentiment rebounds from 10-yr low
Bruce Springsteen to launch world tour
| Entertainment
|
Flight of the Conchords defy struggling TV story
| Entertainment
|
Obama provides competition for `American Idol'
Hit by economic slump, US university to sell prized art collection
Sun and ice meet at Paris haute couture shows
A once-great family faces decline in 'Aristocrats'
Bruce Springsteen to launch world tour
Sebastian Barry wins Britain's Costa book award
Rabbit is gone: writer John Updike dies
Some works by John Updike
Review: Nothing novel about `New in Town'
"Flight of the Conchords" defy struggling TV story
LA Man Kills Self, Family Over Job Situtation
Early voting begins in Iraq provincial elections
Israel hits Gaza tunnels as U.S. envoy due
| International
|
United States, Nordics top tech usage ranking
Comic Book Icon Stan Lee Sued For $750 Million
Early voting starts in Iraq provincial poll
Lawmakers mull Internet, wireless tax credits
Tsvangirai says he agreed to join government
| International
|
Divided US House to hand Obama stimulus win
UK launches "Google for films" search engine
Israeli warplanes hit Gaza tunnels
Early voting starts in Iraq provincial poll
| International
|
Afghanistan top priority for US, but goals limited: Gates
Taliban say Guantanamo closure positive step
| International
|
Taliban: closing Guantanamo 'a positive step' but insufficient
Madagascar army patrols after 27 die in unrest
| International
|
China marches on in Africa despite downturn
| International
|
Bomb kills two in Colombian capital
| International
|
North Korea cash sent with leaflets illegal: Seoul
| International
|
Crowd mourns Indian who died in Malaysian custody
Japan PM vows to create jobs and fair market rules
Rohingya migrants go before Thai court
Ousted Fiji PM doubts success of election demand, coup leader sidelines poll
United States, Nordics top tech usage ranking
| Technology
|
Southern Australia wilts as worst heatwave in a century hits
China detains 81 people in Tibet crackdown: media
Winter Storm Kills 3 In Arkansas, Puts Kentucky In State Of Emergency
U.S. Commanders Hand $40,000, Apologize To Relatives Of Afghan Civilians Killed In Raid
China investigates thousands in Tibet: rights group
Amid war, Sri Lanka pledges to respect 'safe zone'
Missing Florida Hedge Fund Manager Turns Himself In, Faces Fraud Charges
Fiji military leader rejects election ultimatum
Jobless Parents, 5 Children Dead In L.A. Murder-Suicide
Jan 27 Low Points In U.S. Economy
NATO key to more Australian troops in Afghanistan
Japanese automakers slash production in December
Seoul shares post biggest gain in 7 wks on Samsung
Thai govt says national carrier's finances 'alarming'
Panasonic to cut 560 jobs, close Asian plants
San Miguel to sell 830.6 mln dlrs of Philippines beer assets
Seoul shares jump 5 pct as Samsung, banks rally
Report: Toshiba to close chip plants in Japan
Economic turmoil dominates Davos forum
Rabbit is gone: writer John Updike dies
| Entertainment
|
NZ dairy giant cuts back annual payout for milk
Indonesian woman dies of suspected bird flu: doctor
Lee, Perry nominated for NAACP Image Awards
| Entertainment
|
Mamet vet Macy proves an apt choice for Plow
| Entertainment
|
National Geographic launches record label
| Entertainment
|
Lee, Perry nominated for NAACP Image Awards
Record car sales raise fear of traffic chaos in Dhaka
Bangladesh's last Armenian prays for unlikely future
From McDonald's to museums: Italy's new culture tsar
Lee, Perry nominated for NAACP Image Awards
Mamet vet Macy proves an apt choice for "Plow"
National Geographic launches record label
Study concludes manners prevailed when Titanic sunk
Paul McCartney set for `Colbert Report' visit
Gaza truce must be strengthened: Obama envoy
Russia offers Obama olive branch on missiles: report
| International
|
Iran says U.S. must change policy not tactics
German software giant SAP to cut 3,000 jobs
Iran says U.S. must change policy not tactics
| International
|
Taliban reign of terror returns to Afghan district
John Travolta's Extortion Case Reportedly About "Refusal To Transport" Document
Pope says his solidarity with Jews unquestioned
| International
|
Economic turmoil dominates Davos forum
Pakistan to release Mumbai attacks findings soon
| International
|
Pakistan's Zardari calls on U.S. to boost aid
| International
|
Gore: Economy should spur action on global warming
Russia drops Kaliningrad missile plans
Iran wants 'profound changes' in US policy
CORRECTED: China marches on in Africa despite downturn
SKorea welcomes NKorea's denuclearization pledge
Malaysian police arrest five at funeral march
NZ milk company: Zero melamine was always policy
Thai court convicts 62 migrants of illegal entry
China to provide safe water to 60 million in 2009
UN: Myanmar faces food crisis because of cyclone
Non-Interest Income Of Banks Dip Due To Less Use Of ATMs, Fewer Checks Issued
Seven Dead In Los Angeles Murder-Suicide
Retailers Rethinking Pricing Strategies To Attract Penny Pinchers To Shop
Education Sector To Be Major Beneficiary Of Economic Stimulus Package
Republican Leader Drops Opposition To Attorney General-Designee Eric Holder; Panel To Vote On Confirmation Wednesday
Starbucks Targets $400 Million Savings By Halt To Brewing Decaf Coffee After 12 Noon
Parents Seek Refund After Children Failed To Attend Inaugural Program For Youth
Japanese carriers downsize amid crisis
Japan's Canon sees two-thirds profit drop in 2009
Sony expected to see lower profit on global slump
Canon reports drop in 4Q profit, sees bleak 2009
Honda 2008 output rose as China offset US, Europe
India's top retail group in talks with France's Carrefour: report
Mumbai Slumdog critic names dogs after film makers
| Entertainment
|
Japan Canon's profits plunge in 2008
Japan shares mixed on earnings jitters, euro rise
Indonesian lawmaker jailed for graft
Two women killed in elephant attack in Indonesia: official
Mumbai "Slumdog" critic names dogs after film makers
Disgusted Parents Of Students Who Failed To Attend Inaugural Program For Youth Use Facebook Blog To Denounce Organizer
Singapore News
Egypt attacks Iran and allies in Arab world
| International
|
Austrian police arrest seven in Chechen murder case
IT industry joins energy efficiency push
Michael Jackson Sued By "Thriller" Music Video Creator
Data Privacy Day spotlights online dangers and defenses
Six arrested in Spain over $600m London stock fraud
Global economic growth to slow to 0.5% in 2009: IMF
Queen targeted in 40-year-old train plot: ex-policeman
Climate change puts penguins on march to extinction
Divided US House to hand Obama stimulus win
EU vows billions in aid to spur UN climate talks
Obama should apologise to Iran: Ahmadinejad
Climate change puts penguins on march to extinction
Thailand to deport 78 Myanmar boat people: police
South Korean blogger seeks bail after arrest
Embattled Japanese PM unveils jobs plan
Philippine official meets Red Cross kidnap victims
India to probe drugs in water supplies
President Obama To Visit Pentagon For The First Time As Commander-In-Chief
UN staff came under fire in Sri Lanka 'safe zone'
Feature: The Economic Recession And The Local South Florida Economy
Three still critical after eating blowfish testicles
Home Prices Retreat At Record Pace
Vice President Joe Biden's Wife Returns To Teaching
China slams EU anti-dumping move, threatens WTO action
House Expected To Pass Obama's $825 Billion Economic Stimulus Wednesday
India's Tata Steel Q3 net profit slides 56 pct, lags forecast
California Delays Tax Refund Checks By 30 Days Due To Low Level Of Funds
Quinnipiac U Survey: Bloomberg Gets 69 Percent Approval Rating
Sumitomo Mitsui 9-month profit tumbles 74 percent
Amazon Preparing To Release New E-Reader, The Kindle 2
Justin Timberlake discusses his `SNL' jokes
Cormac McCarthy's former home burns in Knoxville
Starbucks Hopes To Save $400 Million By Not Brewing Decaf After Noon
Annual British Attitudes Survey Shows More Briton Youths Shying Away From Marriage
Wounded Sri Lankans blocked from leaving war zone
| International
|
Northern Ireland conflict victims clash at report launch
| International
|
Iraq sends Syria first ambassador in decades
| International
|
IT industry joins energy efficiency push
| Technology
|
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
| Entertainment
|
Goya's Colossus painted by apprentice, Prado says
| Entertainment
|