Fashion in the Alps?

The Lacoste Show 

“Is this real fur?” one guest asked at the Lacoste show.

He was referring to the blanket of white faux fur covering the runway.

What came later were models dressed in sweaters in white and gray, worn over riding pants in sweatshirt fabric .

“Warm, comfy chic is how I describe the collection,” said Christophe Lemaire, creative director.

Women plowed through the snow — I mean faux fur — in gray shorts and skirts paired with red or gold yellow tights. Guys stepped out in pastel V-neck sweaters.

Lemaire even paid homage to Jamaica’s flag with fitted polos and polo dresses, as well as mountain jackets and scarves in strong stripes and blocks of black, gold, blood red and green.

A complete change of pace came at Rock & Republic, where an orchestra of 19 nestled into a pit in the middle of the runway to play along with recorded rock music as models walked the runway in beautifully cut suits and gowns. It was a sea of black with the occasional purple gown. And no denim. Isn’t Rock & Republic known for its denim?

The suits, for both men and women, and the gowns were cut close to the body. Jacket styles were both long and short. Pants slim as well as full. A fedora is a must. Make it black. The music? Loud. My ears are still ringing.