Friday, March 28, 2003
Newest fashions show signs of spring fever.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Cascades of color wash over feminine pieces for spring.
The folks at the label Viktor & amp; Rolf showed signs of spring fever at their show. They sent a model down the runway in a dress made of blooms of practically every color. Creating additional pop was her hair, frosted in one of the season's hottest hues -- pink.
Among the other designers tickled with the color are John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel and Sonia Rykiel. Shades ranged from cotton candy to fabulous fuchsia.
"Pink is everywhere," said Kelly Clayton, owner of Pam Kelly. "It's a color most women can wear, but they have to find the right shade." While many ladies will be pretty in pink, others will show their yellow streak. More than a few designers, including Helmut Lang and Miuccia Prada, went bananas for this shade.
Others, such as Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen, made orange their main squeeze. A purple haze resulted when Donatella Versace and Giorgio Armani stopped to smell the lavender. Also style makers have succumbed to pure pressure, as white continues to make a statement.
Short but sweet
Somewhere over this rainbow is a land of clothing that will bring out the woman in any fashionista. Ruling the land is the miniskirt.
This abbreviated bottom dominated the spring runways. According to Style.com, Tom Ford at Gucci turned out some of the sexiest ones, while one of the industry's mad men, Jean Paul Gaultier, created versions not much bigger than a belt. The sites said the must-have version is a little white dress.
More mature women shouldn't make a big deal about the mini. There are plenty of longer skirts, some almost ankle-length.
Cargo pants
Another piece with the youth factor is the cargo pant. In Style magazine advised when worn, "Think of yourself as a Jill-of-no-trades and mistress of accoutrements," as these are far from military-issue.
Replete with pockets, zippers and buckles, the pant looks best when teamed with high heels.
Other pants seen this season are slim ankle pants, ubiquitous Capris, and a few wide-legged variations.
Another facet of this feminine movement is the dress.
Some frocks, and other pieces, dance to world beat. Eastern prints and Mandarin collars speak of Asia. Folkloric (bohemian) pieces, like bell-sleeved blouses and tiered skirts, borrow from many continents.