Returning to the lavish salon of Le Grand Hôtel Intercontinental in Paris, Riccardo Tisci yesterday ravaged guests with his latest assault of menswear for Givenchy Spring Summer 2011. Before the show we waited beneath the gilded arches as generations of supporters flooded in to fête their man, with Marina Abramovic seated front row alongside Carine Roitfeld, Lou Doillon, and Riccardo’s own mother and sisters.

To the Lost Boys’ soundtrack “Cry Little Sister”, models marched an uptempo walk around the circular ballroom – fuelled with the aggressive attitude of their Givenchy armour. Opening with white lace shirting over last season’s skirted shorts, the silhouettes evolved through a rally of spotted lace through to pale cream and a full-throttle black and yellow cheetah print, punctuated with shocking moulded bondage helmets. Laser-cut leather vertebrae was applied to the snub-pointed dress shoes, and worn as skeletal collars over shirts. Formal pieces were based on the geometry of his past seasons – with boxy shirting, slim trousers and a new split tail that jutted down trim suit jackets, continuing his bold vision of the modern male silhouette.

Adding to the drama, three women’s silhouettes entered the melée – with Malgosia Bela, Maria Carla Boscono and transgender muse Lea T appearing as vamps swathed in cheetah print suiting, their hair teased to 70′s heights, their eyes and lips blackened for a gothic glamour.

Hitting another hard note for spring, Riccardo instilled his collection with a new absurdity, reaching to some of the darkest places in his repertoire. Revelling in a solid foundation of form, his exploration of sensuality through print, texture and symbology remains relevant and challenging.

Prêt-a-Porter Homme Givenchy par Riccardo Tisci
Collection Printemps – Été 2011

Décor & Production
Shortcut Events

Musique
Frédéric Sanchez

Coiffure
Luigi Murenu

Maquillage Givenchy
Pat McGrath

In an intimate contribution to A#8, this photograph of Carine Roitfeld offers a glimpse into the highest echelons of the Paris fashion world. As editor in chief of VOGUE Paris, Carine’s personal voice dictates trends across the globe – with each garment she wears becoming a clear signal of her support and belief in the aesthetic and world of its designer.

As a supporter of Riccardo Tisci since his inception at the house of Givenchy in 2005, Carine is pictured here wearing a black lace dress from his haute couture collection for Fall Winter 2008. The snapshot was taken by Karl Lagerfeld, a name most recognised as a designer for Chanel, Fendi and his own labels – yet who has built an impressive photographic career alongside, photographing not only his own campaigns, but recently also for Dior Homme [amongst other names].

Signed ‘Pour Carine‘ by Karl below, the image is immortalised as a formidable collaboration of designer, editor and photographer – three powerhouses who have the choice to work with whoever they may choose in the global industry – and in this case chose each other.