By Joelle Diderich
PARIS (Reuters) - Edwardian heroines with elongated silhouettes paraded through the cream salons of the French fashion house Torrente on Tuesday, and it was as if the paintings of John Singer Sargent had come to life.
A black wool coat dress with ballooning sleeves seemed tailormade for the 19th century painter's society belles. It was given a modern twist with a tinkling shirtfront embroidered with 200 engraved crystal ovals by famed French glassmaker Lalique.
Models affected an air of haughty disdain as they ambled past in long skirts with fishtail trains in the display on the second day of the Paris autumn-winter haute couture collections.
A chocolate silk riding coat with a cascading train split open to reveal a matching lace bodysuit. Bronze organza ruffles burst from the hem of a peplum jacket inset with panels of lacquered crocodile leather.
Art Nouveau touches included blown glass hairpins shaped like dragonflies and thunderbolts, or a scattering of crystal butterflies on the bodice of a bridal gown.
Designer Julien Fournie, now in his second season at Torrente, said he was inspired by the romantic heroines of the novels of Henry James and D.H. Lawrence.
This collection was certainly more confident than his debut last season, but it left some guests wondering what kind of woman could wear these outfits verging on theatrical costume.
good......but where is Dior HC?!!
