Opulence a hit on Paris catwalk

Press, 23 October 1989, Page 8

Opulence a hit on Paris catwalk

NZPA-Reuter Paris Italian designer Romeo Gigli has done it again. His spring and summer collection was a shimmering cascade of opulence that swept all in its path, making more sober designers look dowdy in comparison. Saturday’s show, only the second the young designer has brought to Paris, was dubbed ready-to-wear but had all the golden richness of haute couture. The Byzantine touch Gigli used to such effect his winter

collection was evident again, lightened for summer with wispy chiffons, transparent gauzes and net fabrics. • Glossy riding jackets topped slacks cut from glowing reds, greens and oranges, while Gigli varied the diet by introducing some figure-hugging cat suits covered with dull sequins. There was an other-worldly, fairyland feel about the whole collection, which had buyers and journalists pressing into alleyways for a glimpse arid photo-

graphers slapping each other for room.

The star of the show was a dazzling sun sprite — a model crowned with shells and jangling with fringes of Venetian-glass baubles which fell from her bust to the floor.

Fashion experts are excited by Gigli, whose unashamed opulence they see as holding the secret to the 19905. They predict designers will give up their present habit of resuscitating the styles of the past, and concentrate instead jbn embellishment