Using a romantic theme, Lloyd Klein weaves a story about two lovers meeting in the Faubourgs in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, Montmartre, reports Phillip D. Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHED BY RICHARD SPIEGEL

O APPRECIATE Paris-based designer Lloyd Klein, sometimes you just have to strap yourself into your seat and prepare yourself for a wild and bumpy ride. In past showings, Mr Klein has often appeared to be careening out of control with only his disciplined foundation of precision tailoring to hold him in check. He hops from idea to idea with the speed of a whirling dervish, leaving

Mr Klein was inspired by the ‘romantic story of two lovers who meet secretly in the Faubourgs at Mont­martre in Paris each winter … a weaving of a quixotic and forbidden love between a struggling artist and an aristocratic woman’

you breathless and unfortunately, sometimes unsatisfied at the end. But to be fair, the clothes were always beautiful and shown with a lot of imagination and flair. I say this while remembering his spring 2002 show at the Puck Building in New York City’s SoHo District. The ideas he presented then—men’s jackets in black with bright day-glow silk linings and architecturally reconstructed pieces—continue to resonate with me even today.
   For fall 2003, Mr Klein managed to do something that will reap many benefits later: he calmed down and took the time to gather his thoughts and ideas in a cohesive manner. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I was left with a definite idea of what he was trying to say and why I should pay attention in the first place.
   To quote the press kit, Mr Klein was inspired by the ‘romantic story of two lovers who meet secretly in the Faubourgs at Montmartre in Paris each winter … a romantic weaving of a quixotic and forbidden love between a struggling artist and an aristocratic woman.’ Well, being unrepentant romantic I am, I got it right away.
   This woman is not totally blinded by love; therefore she is clear-minded enough to have the appropriate outfit for every possible situation she may find herself in. Anticipating the arrival of her lover at their designated meeting place, she lounges around in a slouchy, bathrobe-like green velvet topcoat with aubusson embroidered sleeves and a pair of fine corduroy knickers. When he failed to show up, she went back home to her own home, devastated and lost in a fog of fear and loss. Realizing that she has to keep up appearances, she arms herself in a military-style jacket and pair it with (consecutively) a fringed hem skirt and a plum feathered asymmetrical mini-dress. After all, while it is okay to be anxious, it is not OK to let other people see your fears and anxiety.

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