As always, Albert Kriemler created elegant, sharp-tailored clothes for his Akris collection at the Palais de Chaillot. Craftsmanship and his use of rich materials are the keys to his success.

For the Spring 2010 collection, the setting had a striking purity to it — white walls, white runway and lots of light. It was a clean and airy look, much like the collection itself. This time, there were royal blue curtains and dark wood banquets, signaling a warm, plush Fall collection ahead.

The coats were the most outstanding for me – wonderful, voluminous shapes in sumptuous fabrics. The Akris suits were beautiful – some in classic tweed and houndstooth – but my favorite was this rich caramel leather suit with fur trim, above right.

Eveningwear was the brand’s signature understated chic – the dresses with the black transparent sleeves, in particular. I also enjoyed the bags – they just introduced accessories last season – and the oversize totes and boots in this collection were both functional and good-looking.

The Akris style is a touch conservative for me personally, but I utterly appreciate the quality and workmanship behind the brand. And Albert has such class. After the show, I congratulated him on another beautiful collection.

Congratulating Albert Kriemler

With Albert Kriemler after the show

Sitting next to Jean Philippe de Vezin at the show

At the show with jeweler David Yurman

runway images via style.com; photos by Marie Goujon