Set in a sumptuous and historic hôtel particulier at 79 bis avenue Marceau, Claudine Ivari’s showroom looks like something even a princess would daydream about! It is also the setting for her Paris Fashion week debut. And what a place to show the world her talent…

The theme of her Spring 2012 collection is “L’Or des Moissons” (Harvest Gold), the golden color of wheat and the weave of its form as well as the graphic silhouette of the Hallgrimur church in Reykjavik, Iceland. The entire collection is rampant with elegance and femininity, enough to make you swoon. The marrying of such a natural element (the golden wheat) and such a human made structure (the church) seems to have brought out a contrast that doesn’t even look like a contrast, it blends together so well. Miss Ivari has an artist’s eye for shape, design, texture and has the ability to put all of these together to create something that accents the feminine form to perfection. These pieces can be worn for decades to come. They are stunning, timeless and sophisticated. In addition to her talent, she also has values. Her work is 100% made in France.

Between prête-à-porter and couture, Claudine Ivari’s talent for design and her ability to work with noble materials and turn them into what looks easy, classic and simple, yet there is nothing simple about her work. It is finished and polished and has intricate detail (embroidery or weaving),  or a well designed cut for a perfect fit on the body. Frankly every piece looks diving to slip into.

The show was so beautiful and in such an exquisite setting that it quite literally lifted spirits. Applause at the end was as enthusiastic and sincere as it was exuberant. Spectators had these authentic smiles (a rarity at a Paris fashion week event) on their faces as Claudine took her graceful bow. We were all impressed and exhilarated. Those who wanted to stick around afterwards, were invited to nibble on hors d’oeuvres and sip champagne.

What I found to be an especially warm touch was that her three sisters were so involved in her endeavor. Two of them walked in the show and the other greeted and seated guests. All of them have this incredible glowing beauty and gentle personalities that make you feel drawn into their intimate world of joyful beauty and sisterly support for one another. They are as refreshing to the Parisian fashion week as a golden ray of sunlight on a gray day. I will be following this designer, hopefully for years and years to come!