Hand-beaded and knitted in conceivable material from plastic

Tag : Taffeta Material


"It's all about construction and foundation," he said of hisdesigns which featured intricate "cages" which werehand-embroidered, hand-beaded and knitted in every conceivable material from plastic and python-skin to crystals and cashmere.

A short mini, crinoline-dress was fashioned from a "cage" of creamcashmere, knitted in a lattice pattern, and worn over a goldlamé tunic and thigh-high boots.

An elaborate ballgown in black velvet and emerald taffeta wasaccessorized with a caged-cape, handmade from long pheasant plumes.

Neon yellow and black silken ribbons, resembling the taped barrierserected around a crime scene, were woven into a birdcage effectover a long, fishtail, satin gown.

The "cage" effect extended to leather harnesses over trench-coatsand black velvet riding helmets.

Elsewhere, the models' hair was coiled into skyscraper-likechignons, perched as precariously as Amy Winehouse's beehive.

Even Gaultier's bride appeared in a caged veil of white and silver,which resembled a wind-sock, over a skintight, beaded weddingdress.

"I have no intention to seriously put women in cages. My models arebirds of paradise. They can remove the cages and fly," Gaultiersaid.

Later, the young Italian, Alessandra Facchinetti, made her hautecouture debut for the prestigious Valentino label, watched by acelebrity front row which included fellow-countryman and couturier,Giorgio Armani, making a rare appearance at a rival catwalk event.