Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Fall 2009PARIS, Jul 9, 2009 / FW/ — It felt like stepping into a peculiar place that Alice might encounter in her adventure through Wonderland one walked up the staircase at Studio Harcourt.

Franck Sorbier had created a sublime setting showcasing pieces of art such as sculpture, line drawings, and couture designs throughout.

The designer himself took part in the fantasy, wearing a painted lab coat as if he were the mad scientist who concocted it all, strolling through to observe his work.

It was a scene from Old Africa, when the Europeans were in conquering the land. The clothing was very gothic-glamour, embellished, embroidered, and pieced together creating rich suits and gowns worthy of Renaissance royalty.

And though this might sound like a cliché, it is almost as if it was a scene from Anne Rice’s classic vampire series, Interview with a Vampire, et al. If the Vampire Lestat walked in the room, it would not be surprising.

Yet, there was also a touch of modernity, even sci-fi; sculpted heads covered in hanging yarn and Picasso-looking line drawings were quirky and fun. There is also a pair of eyes, from a robot. Yet, on the other hand, it can be the eyes from the Geico commercial in the U.S.

It was delightful getting being immersed in Sorbier’s collection, getting lost in his vagary.

[MARI DAVIS and ANNIE KREIGHBAUM]

Paris Haute Couture Fall 2009