TREND: COLOR - Color rules on Paris catwalks...

TREND: COLOR

Color rules on Paris catwalks...

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By Joelle Diderich

Paris designers whipped up a rainbow burst of colors on Wednesday as an antidote to the economic blues plaguing the luxury industry.

"Everyone wants to play in color this season," said Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director for luxury retailer Neiman Marcus.

French designer Sonia Rykiel celebrated her 40 years in business by sending dozens of models twirling down the catwalk in brightly colored silks. Christian Lacroix let loose with a riot of clashing patterns, while Esteban Cortazar went tropical at Emanuel Ungaro.

Italian designer Riccardo Tisci hit the only sombre note with a Givenchy collection that stuck to his trademark palette of black, white and the occasional flash of nude.

Downing said this "barely there" shade of light beige, also seen on other catwalks, was the only blot on a bright landscape.

"It's challenging for some women to wear a lot of this 'no color' color, and we're certainly going to be focusing on the really beautiful shades," he said.

Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.