"This season Paris shows us that the designers are turning to new sources of inspiration and challenging the notions of what garments should look like.   Many of the new styles presented attempt to break away from the expected, and surprise the viewer with their unusual shapes.

"Dior's models look so enchanting thanks to the refinement of the cut.  A novel approach to elevating the bust uses a new dart devised in his studio.

"Dior came up with the catchphrase 'tulip line' for his collection.  This strange choice of words are inspired by the shape of the flower.  He lets the upper bodice flare out broadly like a tulip flower from the stem narrow waist, which tightly encloses the torso right up to the bust line.  He speaks of a 'blooming' of the bust and a 'narrowing' of the hip.  This design runs through almost the entire collection, from the daywear to the evening dress.

 "Other designers are taking a very different approach.  Jacque Griffe is noted for his classic styles - however, this season's collection seems problematic to us. The waist is almost completely hidden.  The garment stands out loosely in this area, or falls away entirely by way of the empire line, which creates a band directly under the bust.

"Another feature of this collection is asymmetrical slanted loops.  Other than these two additions, the garments follow the same classic lines as previously.  The only departure being an un- conventional round or square neckline of jackets - which all have white trimmings that provides a fashionable accent.

"Of course the Crown Prince of couture Hubert de Givenchy must not be overlooked.  This year he prefers buttons as an ornamental element.  He uses them as decoration everywhere - often entire button strips on the front and back.

 "Characteristic of Givenchy are the square and V-shaped necklines that lie backwards, and the buttons on his bodices from front to back and vice versa.

 "He uses innovative fabric patterns as well.  A striking example is a soft ivory brocade woven with an oyster motif that features pearls sewn into the individual oysters."