Designers at Paris Fashion Week seemed to have been studying hard. Two of the three Rs - ruffles and ruches - were very much in evidence as models floated down catwalks in a series of romantic creations.
Jean Paul Gaultier delivered full-on Victoriana, with layers of frills in his voluminous skirts and bodices. It's doubtful there's any taffeta left in France, after yards of the fabric appeared in sweeping coats and voluptuous bubble skirts at his show.
The season's love affair with volume was echoed at Dior, where John Galliano's dresses hugged the figure and then fanned out in opulent folds. Givenchy presented a more delicate interpretation of the theme, with Italian designer Riccardo Tisci offering an exquisite, vibrant red affair with whisps of tulle falling to the knee.
Even the queen of the rock chick look, Stella McCartney, reflected the prevailing trend. Her "balloon" dresses are likely to become garment of choice at cocktail hour for celeb pals such as Kate Hudson and Courtney Love, who were watching from the front row.
But the highlight of her collection was a dramatically pleated empire-waisted evening dress. At first glance the black and silver design appeared understated, then as the model sashayed down the runway the full effect of its billowing skirt was revealed.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
