Pure Seduction from Givenchy

PARIS, March 1, 2006 - The House of Givenchy has finally found its way forward under the watchful eye of artistic director Riccardo Tisci. Audrey Hepburn's little black dress, the one she wore on her way to Sing Sing in "Breakfast at Tiffanys", got refreshed, resized and remolded as the beauty of a fading era was transfigured into a charming collection shown Wednesday afternoon at Carreau du Temple. Look no further than the net bodice dusted in plumes worn above a tapered velour skirt to find pure seduction. Black was just about everywhere, as piece after intricate piece floated down the catwalk. The other color of choice, bright red, was used sparingly to highlight the spectrum. The finesse of detail gave a couture effect to many of the pieces.

Tisci has succeeded where Julian McDonald failed. He's infused a note of modernity into the label and come out with an elegant cocktail worthy of the tradition of Givenchy.