French Fancy Number 5: Valentine Gauthier

Alors, I know that this is already my 5th 'French Fancy' in as many months but I simply cannot deny my penchant for the Gallic grace.

Please allow me to introduce you, my readers, to the Parisian designer Valentine Gauthier, whose eco-friendly ethical designs have already been causing waves across the Channel. Valentine trained with Maison Martin Margiela and Rochas before branching out on her own and in 2009 she opened up her first boutique in the Marais.

The latest collection for Autumn/Winter 2010 was aptly entitled 'Feathered Fawn', and a bucolic palette of rich, russety browns with interjections of teal blues and leaf greens conjured up thoughts of woodland fairytale fantasies. Feminine touches were subtle: tonal floral prints on skirts, elbow length, flesh coloured arm warmers and pretty hats, which also provided the touch of eclecticism that is Gauthier's signature. These more delicate flourishes were offset with military gold buttons and strong silhouettes, which added an extra dimension and further layer of interest to the theme of the collection. Unfortunately the brand is not yet available to buy in London just yet but hopefully this will change in the near future, or there will be some tres expensive trips to make on the Eurostar!

'Feather Fawn' and previous collections can be viewed at http://www.valentinegauthier.com/.