Paris, Jan 21: Welsh designer Julien Macdonald on Tuesday delivered a pitch perfect spring-summer collection for Givenchy, in what could be his swansong haute couture show for the house that dressed Audrey Hepburn. Models paraded in sleek cocktail dresses and delicate lace coats in the show on the second day of couture week, which also featured designs by Christian Lacroix.
American actress Liv Tyler, who stars in the advertising campaign for Givenchy's new fragrance Very Irresistible, greeted guests at the house's headquarters on the chic Avenue George V.
The "Lord of the Rings" star said it was an honor to follow in the footsteps of Hepburn, who immortalized Givenchy style in films such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
"I feel very honored and flattered, and it's a lot to live up to at the same time so I get a little bit nervous," she told Reuters. "I don't think anyone could ever be what Audrey Hepburn was, now or then."
Macdonald, famous for putting pop stars in skimpy dresses, has not always followed the traditional Givenchy line. A Givenchy spokesman said no decision had been made on whether to renew his contract when it expires in April.

However, the outfits he unveiled on Tuesday appeared just the ticket for the label's conservative clientele.

Italian model Maria Carla Boscone was the picture of elegance in a halterneck dress made of tiers of fringe dip-dyed in shades of black to pale peach.

A pale beige guipure lace coat revealed just the hem of a ballerina dress in pleated tulle, while more lace was used to produce a feather effect on a pale gray skirt suit fastened with a black silk satin bow belt.

Christian Lacroix gave a lesson in longevity with a kaleidoscopic collection of evening gowns that drew a rare standing ovation from the fashion pack.

The French designer, a former art student, splashed, dribbled and painted fabrics by hand to exuberant effect.
Bureau Report