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Photography by Marie-Béatrice Seillant
Franck Sorbier
By Christine Suppes
While not exactly a household name in the States, couturier Franck Sorbier attracts the European haute bourgeoisie and royalty to his collections, which have that elusive quality of fantasy and real wearability. Any chic woman can see herself in black Capri pants and a matching shell. To this Mr. Sorbier adds his signature cobweb and color saturated swing jacket. The woman who wears this is instantly fabulous, from Hong Kong to Portofino, from Rio to Malibu. Not to say this collection is a no brainer. These days it takes rare elegance and intelligence to figure out what the best dressed women really want to wear this season ---and what they will reach for many times. Very few designers have this knack because they are so busy honing their visions while stroking their egos. Mr. Sorbier focused on the color blue and all its tones from midnight to lavender. He sent out sheaths either just skimming the bottom of the knee or mid calf. All were accompanied by his lattice work jackets, some of which are reversible. Evening gowns in his lacy-like fabrics are very feminine and float gracefully across the floor. The show concluded with a heartrending performance by Raghunath Manet, the only known Indian dancer and musician performing and recording today. And if this treat were not enough, the guest of honor was the world renowned Chinese painter Zao Wou-Ki, a mentor to so many contemporary Chinese artists today that it is difficult to assess his influence, though needless to say it is profound. In Zao Wou-Ki, Mr. Sorbier found a kindred spirit and his inspiration for this collection.
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