February 26, 2008 THE CLUTCH IN TIME by Antonia Leslie The arrival of the carried bag for the first time on a Margiela catwalk caused a small fashion sensation (well everyone was in the show and had to be quiet). The sleekness that has been part of the Margiela collection now for four seasons is still with us but this time became sexual. Lycra bodysuits finishing in spiked heels or the asymmetric drop point of the off shoulder dress and the clutch bag in quite a conventional form surprisingly. All this disco followed by the extreme shoulder extensions (upwards) showed in wool, leather and spots and generally with the long hair draped over the top making it into another accessory. Is this a new turn for the designer or just a sexy one off? Maison Martin Margiela