The collection, presented Thursday afternoon, called to mind the glamorous élan of the international jet-set — way back when air travel seemed exotic rather than onerous — combined with the laid-back ease of the hippies of yore. But nothing felt retro or vintage about the collection, in part because the fabrics had the crisp gleam of high-tech wizardry and the silhouettes were in keeping with today’s comfort-first philosophy.
This city is filled with clothes that aim to stimulate the mind. Its designers are not necessarily in the business of making dressing easier for women. Designers love difficult clothes. And sometimes, difficult clothes are worth the effort.
But the clothes from Paco Rabanne tap into the brain’s pleasure center. You may never own them. You may never wear them. But the collection is like dessert. Even if you don’t indulge, just looking at it can make you smile.
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