The News From Paris
A Chinese Designer Gets A Show
Frankie Xie became the first designer from China to get his own show in Paris. At left, a gown shown Oct. 1, 2006.
Chosen by Harpers Bazaar as one of China's 20 most talented designers, Frankie Xie was nervous about his first show in Paris. "There are many, many professional media, and I want the international media to appreciate my creations but I don't know their reactions yet, so I am a little nervous," he said. At left, a model poses at his show Oct. 1, 2006.
Frankie Xie's label, Jefen Frankie, was the opening collection on the eight-day calendar of Paris catwalk shows as well as the first Chinese fashion house to be invited. Here, a model shows a dress at his Spring/Summer 2007 ready to wear show on Oct. 1, 2006.
Some Innovators ->
The Paris shows are unique in allowing commercial juggernauts like Christian Dior and Chanel to coexist with "conceptual" designers like Martin Margiela and Yohji Yamamoto. Margiela is a favorite of critics despite refusing all media interviews. At left, a model walks the runway for the Belgian designer on Oct. 1, 2006.
A model wears a slinky dress by Martin Margiela during his Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show on Oct. 1, 2006.
A model walks the runway in an outfit from Maison Martin Margiela during his Spring/Summer 2007 ready to wear show in Paris on Oct. 1, 2006.
Among the "conceptual" designers, Yohji Yamamoto has been a critical darling for the longest time -- he's been shaking things up for 25 years. They weren't disappointed by his latest ready-to-wear collection, shown in Paris on Oct. 2, 2006.
We don't want to suggest Yohji is getting a little too much space here, but this looks like Hermione Granger after losing a tussle with the dark wizards. The dress was shown by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto during his Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show in Paris, Oct. 2, 2006.
A model walks the runway for designer Yohji Yamamoto during the Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear collections in Paris, Oct. 2, 2006.
The New Mainstream ->
Viktor & Rolf may rock the Paris fashion set, but they're hardly household names in the wider world. That may change after a deal with low-priced Swedish chain H&M. Their collection is slated to go on sale Nov. 9 in 250 stores. At left, a model poses at the Dutch design duo's Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show in Paris on Oct. 2, 2006.
Viktor & Rolf insist they'll stick to their innovative roots even when they're selling wedding gowns for $379 at H&M. Their Paris show involved ballroom dancers and a live performance by Rufus Wainwright. At left, a model shows a dress at their Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show in Paris on Oct. 2, 2006.
A model poses on the runway during Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf's Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show in Paris, Oct. 2, 2006.
A New Incarnation ->
One of France's fabled couture names, Pierre Balmain, was showing at Paris Fashion Week in a new incarnation. Christophe Decarnin is the latest to create a line for the House of Balmain, following others including Oscar De La Renta. Here, a model shows a short metallic dress during the Balmain Spring-Summer 2007 ready to wear show in Paris, Oct. 1, 2006.
A model walks the runway in a dress by designer Christophe Decarnin for Balmain during his Spring-Summer 2007 ready-to-wear show in Paris, Oct. 1, 2006.
Not to suggest that Pierre Balmain is rolling in his grave, but he probably never sent a model down the runway in a ripped-up T-shirt. At left, a model shows an outfit by designer Christophe Decarnin for Balmain during his Spring-Summer 2007 ready to wear show in Paris, Oct. 1, 2006.