Givenchy held an open-air show at La Haulle aux Chevaux, Parc George Brassens.  It was a small show — with only 22 looks — but I think quality trumps quantity here. If Haute Couture is a dying art, as many have said, then Riccardo Tisci is the invigorating force it needs.  He brings fresh, unexpected ideas to high fashion, and it’s been amazing to witness his work evolve over these past few years.

Tisci opened the show with tailored velvet pantsuits — several with hoods.  Similar to his Prêt-à-Porter Fall 2009 show (and nearly every fashion collection since), the designer emphasized shoulders in his silhouette.  The collection quickly shifted from Western suits to a Morrocan and then Middle Eastern look: heavy draping, more hoods and veils, etc. The velvet, silk crepe and cashmere fabrics were adorned with fierce hardware details like spikes, studs and chains, and some models even wore gold rhinestone facemasks that looked like armor. Edgy for Haute Couture, but exciting, too!  The collection was mostly black and white with gold and silver embellishments, though a few pale pink pieces emerged midway.  I loved the pantsuit with the red studding above.

Astrid Muñoz, Christian Lacroix and Bettina Graziani

Glenda Bailey, Jean-Paul Goude and Stephen Gan

Róisín Murphy and Delphine Arnault

Leonor Scherrer and stylist Panos Yiapanis

Bethany Vernon and Anna Piaggi

Givenchy draws such a cool and eclectic group — editors, pop stars, hip fashionistas and couturiers like Christian Lacroix were in attendance.  Monsieur Lacroix was all smiles just hours after his monumental show

Congratulating Riccardo Tisci

Backstage felt like a party — an animated crowd, models showing off the clothes they’d just worn, champagne, cookies, etc.  A great energy after a strong, modern collection.

Flanked by Givenchy models

Chatting with Astrid Muñoz

Backstage

After the show wtih Pierre-Yves Roussel

- candid photos by Marie Goujon and runway images via style.com