Barbara Bui in Paris        

 Barbara Bui is a designer with whom I have not long been familiar; but after seeing what she did at Paris Fashion week, she is certainly one I will be following. Her fall 2010 collection was characterized by the attitude of ‘80s-era Michael Jackson blended with the playfulness of a modern-day gamine. A color palette of nearly all black focused the viewer’s attention on the details – which was exactly Bui’s intention. Copper, silver, and gold accents in every incarnation from glitter to paillettes stood out boldly against the dark fabric. The impressive tailoring (try a half-jersey, half-leather dress split diagonally down the middle) and audacious structure of the garments was also showcased by the stark simplicity of the color palette. Exposed zippers were present on nearly every piece – many of which were leather. Bui showed cropped motorcycle jackets in the notoriously rebellious material, as well as cigarette-leg pants, color-blocked dresses, hooded, quilted jackets, and even bubble skirts. The few colors she chose to use were bright, candy colors: red, blue, and tangerine.

This collection is not the kind that can be worn by anyone. The woman who wears these pieces is fearless and daring, impetuous and headstrong – think Natalie Portman’s head-shaven heroine in V for Vendetta. These clothes are not for the pretty wallflower that waits to be chosen; they are for the woman who is brave enough to reach out and grab them for herself.