Contrasting With Fuchsia

Christian Lacroix's Fall 2008 collection made a dramatic statement in black, white and splashes of vibrant pink at Paris Fashion Week.

Hairstyles included dramatically twisted, glossy nests which were further enhanced by mannequin-like makeup and drawn-on, pencil-thin brows with evil arches. Encountering these femmes on the streets would cause shock to anyone with fears of possessed movie dolls.

The shapes were awkwardly voluminous, like erect boat necks and giant bell sleeves. In contrast, the limbs were slenderized with tight black fabrics and leathers on boots and arm warmers. Black tights were seen on just about every catwalker and accessories like belts were in shades of nothing but raven. The only colour separating the black and white in the first half of the collection was a gorgeous fuchsia.

Feathers were the detailed material of choice, particularly long ones which looked like dyed black ostrich.

Variety came at the end when Lacroix began adding brocade fabrics and other colours. The show stealer, in my opinion, was a gorgeous golden, knee-length coat with a boat-beck and intricate stitching along the front paneling and waist-height pockets.