Certainly the most talked about show of the season was Galliano's Egyptian-themed extravaganza, complete with huge masks depicting the animals from ancient paints, carvings and tombs. The clothes, said to be an ode to the 50's, reminded me more of the early 60's, when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton ruled the style world after the release of their film, Cleopatra. No one left this show indifferent, and that list included Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, some of the Sex and the City actresses, Lee Radziwell, Deeda Blair and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Arnault.
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The most shocking disappointment was Ji Haye's show. A longtime Fashionlines' favorite, the diminutive Korean designer took under her wing a partner for this show and he led her astray. There was no couture here, and some of the looks these two sent out had the audience cringing. Pubic hair has no part in couture, Miss Haye. (Though I think this comment may be best directed
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 to Felix, the wayward partner). The on aura tout vu defile left me on a cloud. These designers are where I would go to find my dream wedding dress. In fact, my daughter will be coming to these gentle creators, who know so well how to make couture and wedding dreams come true.
Ralph Rucci rules! That was the consensus of editors after his brilliant show, which left many in tears. Again, where was American Vogue? Not even forward thinking Andre Leon Talley was present this time. Shame on you, Vogue!
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For Mr. Congeniality, Fashionlines nominates Elie Saab. A bevy of charming Lebanese photographers, stylists and assorted fashionistas were all in attendance. One really funny cameraman from Beirut told me, "If you don't like the show, do what we do in Beirut-shoot someone!" To which I retorted, "You can do that in the U.S. too!" Franck Sorbier takes honors for most forward global vision. To have not only produced such a breathtaking show, but to have included one of China's most prominent artists, Zao Wou-Ki and the only Indian musician and dancer recording and performing today, Raghunath Manet, was a stirring visual treat for the lucky audience.
For that VIP buzz, nothing beat watching the constant chatter between the Arnaults and Madame Chirac, front row at Lacroix. And of course, I would be remiss if I did not report that the president of China was in town, which snarled up the traffic, making going to and from the shows even harder than usual. Paris celebrated Chinese New Year with a parade on the Champs Elysée. After declining an invitation to eat in a French Chinese restaurant (I am from San Francisco after all!) I was offered to be taken to the parade site "where a 200 foot dragon will be!" Two hundred foot dragons have been a part of my life every Chinese New Year since I was born! But it was refreshing to see the Parisians open up with giddy childlike joy to a new experience.
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