Observations from the front row. All photos by James Sturz
Fall/Winter 2014 Prêt-à-Porter Fashion Week is getting underway in Paris, and we're kicking off a week-long homage to the best in global vices. Let's start with a potent mixture of pride and envy with photos and observations from the Paris couture shows by James Sturz, in his new role as Fathom's contributing koan writer.
PARIS – During a stay at the W Paris Opéra last month, Cecile Rummler, the W Insider, scored tickets for my wife and me for two haute couture shows, Stéphane Rolland and Julien Fournié. While I pride myself on what that same wife calls an eclectic combo of "lazy style" mixed with "no style at all" — "nice sweaters and bad jeans, but good-quality socks" — I was left with several indelible memories and images from the spectacle.
There are always new places to put jewelry, not all of them obscene.
The gazelle's creamy color provides camouflage in its native desert habitat.
Where I come from Flash Gordon shaves.
Ming the Merciless has a vast slave army.
Some garments come with directions.
Some float in on the wind.
Some are actually Calder mobiles.
Or provide an answer for what to do with your extra beads.
But others just take your breath away. This fairy godmother knows if you've been bad or good, but that depends on whether you like nasturtium yellow.
Don't eat this.
Or this.
Or this.
This is safe to consider as long as it stays behind the glass.
The paparazzi are vicious creatures who blind you with their lights.
Shoot you where you least expect it.
And steal your soul.
The paths of glory require the proper shoes.
Appropriate gloves.
And a full bouquet.
Backlessness saves money!
Chestfulness may earn it.
The baby's breath will make you gasp.
As will the guy in a tricorne hat and flouncy dress.
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