Dismantling fashion

Fashionistas celebrated the long-awaited opening of Marc by Marc Jacobs' flagship store at Siam Paragon, turning out in their droves last Tuesday for a party at the Royal Navy Institute, where fashion retailer Club 21 unveiled a superb fashion show of the American designer's creations that had the cocktail set gasping with delight.

Jacobs' colourful spring-summer 2008 collection                introduced innovative "deconstructed" designs, turning feminine beauty outside-in - and inside-out - with a see-through gown and a tuxedo-inspired open-back dress, a glittering beaded and sequinned number and a pair of karate-style bell-bottom pants.

He also played with contrasting colours and animal motifs, revealing mice and swans as well as orchids and poppies on silk and satin. Colours varied from pastel pink, green and yellow to black, purple and red.

His backless evening gowns were sophisticated, rich in lace and embroidery and wonderfully feminine.

Jacobs' made his collection even more interesting by smartly matching soft fabrics like lace, chiffon and silk with thick tweed, double-sided satin and cashmere. He dressed one model in a chic pastel pink and light-brown tunic, detailing a bikini in cloth to accentuate her curves and revealing her legs through transparent lace.

He played with details, deconstructing outfits so they appeared unfinished at first glance, while a closer look showed that the various sleeve styles and layered skirts allowed dresses to assume different looks for different occasions.

XTRA

The designer in profile

>> 1993: Jacobs wins "Designer of the Year", bestowed by the Council Design of America

>> 1997: Jacobs joins Louis Vuitton.

>> 1997: Launches new line "Marc by Marc Jacobs".

 >> 2003: Collaborates with  Japanese artist Takashi

 Murakami to change image  of Louis Vuitton with colourful manga-inspired designs.

Bagging a Jacobs

>> Also shown on Tuesday night was Jacobs' spring-summer handbag line. Made of goatskin and decorated with brass details, the soft leather Stam is available in Taupe, Plum, Raspberry and Teal, and already a favourite with Hollywood stars.

 >> Jacobs' new Evening  Fluo collection features a

 gemstone-eyed silver frog  as a clasp/lock, and

 comes in shocking pink,  lime and orange.