Marcel Marongiu was inspired by the vintage style of Claire McCardell for his spring collection for Guy Laroche. Rather than take a literal approach, the designer sought to channel McCardell’s talent for streamlined sportswear into outfits that toyed with masculine-feminine contrasts.
Slim navy dungarees with gold buckles exposed a sexy bare back, while a mannish navy blazer was paired with a black bandeau bikini top and wide-leg pants fashioned in a yellow-and-navy raffia, silk and Lurex weave. That fabric was also used on shift dresses with chunky zippers running down the front.
These were among several above-the-knee options, which also included black dresses and skirts inset with panels densely embroidered in a camouflage pattern made from colored pieces of Plexiglas. The result was ladylike, but not dull.