Couture fashion week in Paris brought me to the Palais de Tokyo for the show of Basilsoda… where the spectators were plunged into what seemed like an undersea world of luxury. The models rippled out onto the catwalk like waves of sea foam in light sea-side pastels that flowed and sparkled under the lights. ♬ “Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat, wouldn’t you think my collections complete… wouldn’t you think I’m the girl, the girl who has everything!” ♫ That’s what anyone owning one of these dresses could say…er, sing.

The designer, from Beirut, has an obvious love for the female contours because each long gown accentuated the hour-glass form, low cut lace-lined neck-lines, open backs ornate to the very edge… and the gowns finished into a an A-line bell at the ankles. There were a few pant-ensembles and some short dresses as well. But the most astonishing aspect is his colossal attention to detail. Intricate embroidery, piping that you cannot believe!, lace, crystals, folds and pleats and layer upon layer of embellishment, all gave an organic liveliness to each and every garment.

I wanted to gasp at every one as they appear on the catwalk. Sashaying like sultry mermaid angels… in  such sumptuous silks and chiffons that you could just die to feel them on your skin (the fabrics, mind you).