Spring in Paris

Fashion flights of fancy were prevalent on the runways of Paris as top French designers showcased their spring collections. Silky, sumptuous fabrics were plentiful, in casual and more formal designs, as were gloriously colorful prints and patterns. There were dots and color splashes and plaids and floral prints, all of which radiated in harmony with chiffons, silks, satins and woven ethnic-inspired fabrics. Many of the designs exuded sensuality and emphasized what some consider a woman's greatest asset: the skin. It's spring in Paris, and such is expected and anticipated.

Fanciful sleeveless dress by Kenzo features colorful butterfly pattern trimmed in floor-length black tulle. Accessorized with silver heels.

Left: Multicolored, multilayered African-inspired ensemble has deep decolletage, long sleeves, braided string belt at waist and draped skirt-pants. By Kenzo.

Right: Pink floral print halter dress by Xuly Bet is accessorized with blue and yellow striped clutch and pink print sandals.

Below: Red sleeveless A-line cocktail dress by Michael Klein has tube-like bodice and multilayered chiffon skirt. Accessorized with headband, red coral bracelet and stiletto sandals.

Above: Asian influence is evident in Nagassi's white dress with fresh green leaf pattern. Standout features include deep cowl neckline and layered, paneled hemline.

Left: Valentino's burnt orange print empire cocktail dress of layered chiffon has one shoulder. Accessorized with bronze-colored handbag and orange sandals.

Above center: Asymmetrical dress of cream chiffon has long ruffles at shoulders, hemline and accenting back panel. By Chanel. Accessorized with gold sandals.

Above right: Dazzling multicolored print halter gown by Akris has panels criss-crossing bodice, and skirt fitted at hips with multiple layers from knee to ankles.

Blue silk satin radiates in Viktor & Rolf ensemble of halter top with long tassels, worn over blue satin cropped pants with buttoned cuffs. Accessorized with braided tasseled belt with shell accents and blue ankle-tie platform shoes.

Above, center: Pink and blue dots enliven this casual suit from Xuly Bet. Three-button fitted jacket with lapels is worn over white T-shirt and dropped-waist pants turned up at ankles. Worn with strappy sandals.

Above, right: Elegant Valentino halter gown has wide cummberbund waist of woven fabric that accentuates chocolate brown, white and green colors of the voluminous floor-length skirt. Accessorized with matching clutch and brown cuff bracelets.

Left: Blue and white plaid shirt is worn with embroidered pink cardigan and white skirt with embroidered handkerchief hemline. By Keita Maruyama.

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group