The latest collection of baptismal gowns by Katrina Goulbourn Babes is a tribute to the Belle Epoque of the early 1900s in France, when Art Nouveau blossomed in art, architecture and fashion.

French playwright and writer Pierre Verber, commenting on clothing trends, said: “The elegant person should not wear anything conspicuous or extreme. He refrains from colors that are too crude, clothes of eccentric cut, perfumes that are too heavy, jewelry that is too rich, excessive gestures, vocal outbursts, and words that are too strong. The elegant person is the one who makes himself noticed by means of discretion.”

The Belle Epoque was a period of peace and prosperity that promoted stability in the region and allowed the arts to flourish. Still, tastes were tempered with restraint and refinement, and this was reflected in fashion with a more toned-down, thinner silhouette.

“I wanted this collection to be a hopeful and refined one that brings forth classic elegance both for the boys and the girls,” explains Katrina, who herself has two babies now. “Children of this era, although more simply dressed, were still charming in their mini suits, ties and vests or embroidered and appliquÈd dresses. They were dressed like mini adults.î

I wanted the collection to be a hopeful and refined one. . . for both the boys and the girls

The gowns for the baby boys are, indeed, for little men, with little ties, vests and jackets, in subtle shades of gold, silver gray, blue, cream and ivory, in satins, silks and jacquards.

“Children of this era... were charming in their mini suits, ties and vests.” — “Children of this era… were charming in their mini suits, ties and vests.”

The baby girls look angelic in Art Nouveau floral embroidery, ruffles and ribbons, layers of tulle, silks and satins, in soft colors of peach, palest yellow, cream and ivory, too.

Gowns come in subtle shades of gold, silver gray, blue, cream and ivory.

For the unisex gowns, Goulbourn presents creations that have grillwork embroidery that are neither too elaborate nor too simple, still keeping with the Belle Epoque tone.

Katrina Goulbourn Babes is available at Silk Cocoon at New World Hotel, Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave., tel. 8116856; and at Rustanís Makati, Alabang, Shangri-La Plaza, and Cebu.