Top names mingled with new faces as the 2006 spring-summer ready to wear shows got underway this week in Paris. Helping kick off Fashion Week's 100-plus collections were Paris newcomer Alena Akmhadullina and Japanese veteran Yohji Yamamoto.
Russian designer Alena was obviously determined to garner maximum attention with his debut effort, sending models down the runway in a gaggle of striking animal masks. The 20-something designer's clothes - when they got a look in - reflected their creator's heritage, with Scandinavian back-to-the-land combinations teamed with babushka-style wraps, big-buttoned coat dresses, and striking farmyard-prints.
He was followed later in the day by uber-creative maverick Yohji Yamamoto. The 61-year-old delivered sea change after sea change on the catwalk, with crisp, stiff-collared blouses, cutaway fishtail tuxedos and camouflage gear giving way to evening gowns with tentacle-like silk cords. A clear highlight of the show was teenage model Lily Cole in a wedding gown take on the silk whip theme.
Then, on Monday, it was the turn of Viktor and Rolf to deliver their inimitable take on modern wear. The Dutch duo started off their show with everything back-to-front or upside down as, to the strains of Diana Ross's Upside Down, models paraded with bodices round their ankles and North African trousers on their arms. Minutes later they were back, this time with the items worn the right way around.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
