Let's begin with the keywords: graceful, feminine, sharp, inspired.
Haute couture by Hanae Mori, who in 1977 became the first (and, to date, the only) Japanese designer to be admitted to the prestigious and exclusive Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, never disappoints.
In her autumn/winter 2000/2001 collection, shown in Paris at the Hotel Intercontinental and in Tokyo at The Space, Mori deftly balances past and present. Sending out superb art deco-inspired pieces alongside delicate hand-painted kimono tunics and exquisite hand-beaded evening wear, she also incorporated modern textiles and high-tech design in an iridescent silver-black raincoat which changed color with every movement.