LAROCHE
Was it a fashion show or was it a museum display? For what is likely to be Michel Klein’s last haute couture collection for Guy Laroche, the house chose a presentation that would have been perfect at the Met — or perhaps a smaller museum. The house’s couture salon was draped in black velvet by decorator Andree Putman, and 15 new designs were shown on motionless white mannequins. The mostly white dresses, suits and coats, with names like Miss Blanche or Diva, were set off only by white embroidery or black Chantilly lace. Guests at the champagne reception roamed around the room until the temperature in the airless space started to rise and one fashion editor — Suzy Menkes — even fainted. The mini-collection will serve as inspiration for Laroche’s “couture” line, a luxury ready-to-wear group the house hopes to expand, starting next season.