| One of the most popular innovations this year is the fishtail or "mermaid" hem. It's made appearances in a number of shows, which has tongues wagging because it's playing an incendiary role in provoking the first intershow controversy. The two protagonists involved, Calvin Klein and Gianni Versace, are at odds over just who came up with the idea of bottoming out the backs of dresses with fishtails. According to the "Daily News" (10/28/96), Calvin Klein lay claim to the idea in an interview he gave "Women's Wear Daily" several weeks ago. His assertion angered many of those offering the mermaid look. Versace, in particular, found the assertion absurd. He claims that the fishtail was in fact worn first by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century. From there, Versace told the News, it can be traced to French designer Paul Poiret, deco artist Erte and Coco Chanel. Calvin Klein's show -- and his version of the fishtail -- can be seen on Friday, November 1. Versace's Versus was the first show. It was held on Saturday, October 26, 1996. |
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