Suzy Menkes: Can Whimsy Be A Winner?

It was against all the rules: huge shoulders on fragile figures; puffed up sleeves of fox or sable; prints of lowly creatures like moths, rats and squirrels; and off-kilter colours for slithering silken dresses, with a dash of shocking pink velvet.

This was Elsa Schiaparelli revitalised by Marco Zanini - a review of the Thirties/Forties woman from a feminist point of view. It was credible, striking, occasionally lovely and a big step forward from the flat animal-print bootees of last season's debut. Zanini, explaining his vision of "Schiap's" sophisticated eye and her desire to encourage women to show their individuality.

Again Zanini, explaining his vision of "Schiap's" sophisticated eye and her desire to encourage women to show their individuality.