PARIS, Mar 4, 2011/FW/–Guy Laroche’s Marcel Marongiu took a slightly minimalist route this season but popped the simplicity with just enough fur flair and rouge lips to keep us sitting on the edge of our seats.

Above-the-knee hemlines and high slits accompanied wide legged shorts, skirts and dresses that will most positively be must-have separates for fall. The black glossy leather cigarette pants made a staple piece shine and surely did not overrule the khaki colored bottoms that offered a lighter, more conservative alternative.

Boxy wool and sheared fur overcoats added stunning capacities to the simple sheath dresses, as did the silhouette forming wide-buckle belts.

The collection incorporated strong black and white pieces, such as a pure white draped overcoat and exquisitely fitted cropped trousers. Big geometric prints showed up in neutral color shades, and ripped knits added some grunge to a somewhat conservative tone.

Did I mention the red fur sheath and the off-the-shoulder fully beaded dress? Both were a spectacular tie.

[LAUREN SCRUGGS]

Paris Prêt-a-porter Fall 2011