DESIGNS Miniskirts hiked to the top of fashion

As temperatures rise, skirts will go higher for an updated summer look.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
The mini received maximum exposure on runways for spring-summer 2003.
The short style was on a long list of designer collections. Donatella Versace's Versus group turned out some of the brightest minis. Her neon green pleather mini skirt was a head-turner. Michael Kors went for ultra-American chic in a simple short shirtdress in white, as did the creators at Kenneth Cole. Miuccia Prada did an elegant abbreviated sheath in rich gold brocade.
At his spring show, Tom Ford at Gucci sent leggy supermodel Carmen Kass out in a super-short, super-tight pink dress that looked like pink Saran Wrap. Talk about sexy.
In the beginning
The mini first started making tongues wag and temperatures rise in the mid-1960s. British designer Mary Quant and French designer Courreges both took credit for the hike in hemlines.
According to About.com, the book "Fifty Years of Fashion" looks at the controversy of who originated the mini.
In the book, Courreges declared, "I am the man who invented the mini. Mary Quant only commercialized the idea."
Quant's reply: "That's just how the French are ... I don't mind, but it's just not as I remembered it ... It wasn't me or Courreges who invented the miniskirt anyway -- it was the girls on the street who did it."
The miniskirt again made a big statement in the '80s. Short skirts were part of shoulder-padded power suits and were paired with off-the-shoulder blouses, spiked heels and big hair. The mini was the must-have piece for the MTV video vamp. Who can forget the gam girls in ZZ Top's "Legs" video?
Recently, on the morning news program, "Good Morning America," Suze Yalof Schwartz, executive fashion director at Glamour magazine, said, "Miniskirts are going to be huge. It's a somber time, and people want to have fun."
Go to great lengths
Since a mini can fall as low as four inches above the knee, women of various ages can indulge in the trend.
"It's easy to modify the look for any age," said Cynthia Nellis, fashion guru at About.com. "Just go a few inches above the knee for an updated look that's still flattering and wearable."
Twelve-inch skirts are being snapped up by young fashionistas.
"Very short styles are unquestionably youthful," Nellis said. "Although the notion of 'dressing your age' is dated, microminis look best on younger women."
Minis come in as many styles as they do lengths -- the pleated tennis look, belted renditions and military-tinged cargo-pocketed skirts. Also look for a plethora of prints -- from flirty florals to girly gingham. Fabrics range from comfy denim and cotton to slinky synthetics.