Givenchy Catwalk Fashion Show Paris FW2011

The Givenchy fall-collection was tacky, sexy, mature and elegant at the same time. The black panther played a major role in the collection as it appeared in print, hats and cut outs. It felt unexpected and striking but also uncomfortable, but in a sens it was intriguing too. It was a vibrant print, the black, gold and deep violet gave it a rich character – they sometimes morphed into a baroque print.

The clothes however were rather classic and feminine: pencil skirts, blazers and buttoned-up shirts done in shiny black silk, leather and velvet. It was the way they were presented plus the panther that gave it all a kinky edge. A variation on the strong silhouette were the sheer, narrow skirts worn under ruffled minis. Often the look was finished with a black fur or leather baseball jacket.  Beautiful, feminine pieces were the blouses done in pink embroidery and a cropped sweater in fluffy yellow mohair.