A lots of style, zingy colours a little bit of this, a tad of that was all blended together in the Christian Lacroix's latest haute couture collection in winter luxury ready-to-wear show (March 10, 2004).

Each number was different. There is not one Lacroix style, but many, and mostly feminine and glamorous. For winter color, try a cotton satin lightly fitted coat printed with big floral motifs in plum purple, navy, deep turquoise and mustard. It was shown with a flirty dance dress to the knee in black lace over mauve silk underneath.

Just as cheery was the burgundy corduroy trench coat with patches of red satin and flowered touches over a pink jersey dress.

Though some of the clothes really looked like flea market chic - such as casual big sweaters draped over a few layers underneath, including ruffled chiffon peeping beneath a small tunic, over a colorful or lacy skirt - there was plenty to admire here.

The mixtures also included some colorful fur wraps, for evening wear. There were not millions of dresses for evening, but many were excellent, including a couple of gold-beige brocade short sheaths with salmon flowers.