an american in paris

She studied at Parsons, got her start by showing couture in Paris, moved on to ready-to-wear within a year, and is known for her pretty, girlish dresses. No, not Erin Fetherston. We're talking about Jasmin Santanen, the latest American-trained import to make a name for herself in the City of Light. Santanen, who delights in ultra-feminine flourishes like embroidery and pussycat bows, made her RTW debut last month. "I was encouraged by my buyers," she told us, citing the teams at L'Eclaireur and Bergdorf Goodman as her primary cheering squad. "With ready-to-wear, you can experiment more." And what about the similarities between her and Fetherston? "She was actually my student," Santanen said. "I teach at Parsons in Paris, and she sent me a lovely letter when she finished thanking me for my support. I think it's just coincidental, but I would like to move into the American market, too."

—Gudrun Willcocks Photo: Courtesy of Jasmin Santanen