Au revoir

This has been a fine fashion season in Paris. The weather has been mild; the food has been terrific; the champagne has been flowing and most important, the clothes have been beautiful -- at least a good number of them.

I spent most of my time trotting from one runway show to another, but I did manage to get into a few showrooms where I saw the Thomas Wylde collection by Paula Thomas and the Vionnet collection by Sophia Kokosalaki.

Folks may know about the Thomas Wylde collection because Paula is the one who popularized all those skull images on scarves and such. The collection is expansive for fall and is based on a circus theme. But there are no wacky clowns on display. The collection is more sophisticated than that and also a little bit darker. I especially liked a silver parka that was in the line.

Unfortunately, it seems that no store in the Washington area is carrying the brand, which seems to be a shame because Washington could use a little bit of rock-and-roll funkiness. I'm not sayin' it's quite the thing for Capitol Hill, but it would certainly liven up the local scenery.

I also went to look at the Vionnet collection. The evening gowns are especially beautiful. The draping is elegant and the design has a classic sophistication that is enticing. If I ever sell my apartment, I can take the proceeds and make a down payment on one of the Vionnet gowns. Right now, Barneys New York has an exclusive on the collection. So once again, Washington gets stiffed.

This was the last day of shows, and everybody was practically giddy in anticipation of going home. It seemed as if the houses showing today were extra nice to the guests. All the doors were open on time. Lanvin served fresh macaroons. At Miu Miu, there was champagne and all sorts of savory hors d'oeuvres. Nina Ricci had a beautiful white tent with an enormous window that let the air in as well as a bit of the scenery from the Tuileries gardens. Only Louis Vuitton kept its audience sweltering in a plastic tent that essentially became a greenhouse. But at least I had my first significant celebrity sighting: Scarlett Johansson. She was decked out in a most unflattering shade of mushroom. Such a pretty girl in such a bad color. She was sitting in VIP row next to Bernard Arnault, the chief shareholder of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, as well as Lee Radziwill, the sister of Jacqueline Onassis.

That about did it for celebs, which was fine. Because whenever a show gets bogged down with celebrities, the aisles get congested, security guards get their panties in a bunch and the shows start ridiculously late.

As I was arriving for the Vuitton show, I saw a couple of old Paris trolleys pull up. I think they dated back to the 1950s. A large contingent of well-dressed ladies disembarked. I pegged them as Vuitton clients since each of them appeared to be clutching a handbag that cost at least $2,000.

I thank everyone for reading the blog. And I appeciate your comments, even the really rude ones because at least that means you're reading. I'm no hater. Love and kisses. But really, people, let's get things straight: Robin Givens --actress. Robin Roberts -- "Good Morning America" anchor. Robin Givhan -- that would be me.

By Robin Givhan |  March 4, 2007; 6:00 PM ET Paris
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