March 2004

Everything She Wants

by "E" (Erin Rae Soleta)

Luxury and excitement, colour and inspiration – this was one of the freshest, most dynamic of seasons. Spring’s fashionistas will wear a dress that is very narrow, a skirt that is very wide, suits that are pale, accessories that are bright, and looks that complement both the Lady and the Tomboy. This summer, you’ll find me breakin’ out Wham’s “Everything She Wants” track – because ladies, at no other fashion moment was that jam more true. Who knew fashion could be so philosophical?

COLOR
Expect spring to roll in with a blaze of color. Yellow blankets everything from dresses to pants and jackets. How about a Ralph Lauren pantsuit in lavender, with a satin shirt in pale yellow, and a pocket square in orange? Ivory and black pieces are set off by pale pink, rosy brick, and shots of lemon yellow, Rubber tote bags from Kate Spade come in brights of grass green, taxi yellow and a shade that looks like fruit punch.

Some designers still like subdued shades like Donna Karan's suntan, tobacco, rust and copper, covering silk linen coats and wrap dresses. If you get a Donna Karan copper skirt and jacket, of course there's a matching copper silk bra.

 
 

 

SHAPE
Some designers pump up the volume with billowy skirts. The most talked-about renditions may be from Oscar de la Renta, who reprises puffed-up dresses that flare from the waist with full skirts, calling to mind 1950’s bouffant petticoats.

The shape of things to come for the dress is long and lean - most notably from Narciso Rodriguez, who showed a selection of fitted linen dresses that graze the knee and hug every curve. At Anne Klein the femme fatale look of long and lean is enhanced by stockings with seams up the back.

 

DRESS-UP
Empire-waist baby doll dresses from Anna Sui, cocoon-like dresses from Calvin Klein and floaty chiffon dresses from Rebecca Taylor likewise loosen up the looks. Other designers, such as Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs, embellish their dresses with a touch of romance by adding tiers of ruffles. Bill Blass uses embroidered, scalloped hems, and Douglas Hannant applies three-dimensional florals to his dresses.

 

MENSWEAR
One key piece for this season is the racer-back tank. Carolina Herrera pairs hers with generous skirts and pants giving the retro look a dash of modernity. Men's tank tops and button-down shirts are the look in white cotton, sheer ivory cashmere, all the way to beaded black. Smart, slim day suits got a dash of contrast topstitching and tweeds with lots of texture.

 

ACCESSORIES
Small bows decorate everything – belts, shoes, and dresses. High-heel pointy-toed shoes are accessorized with anything – designers showed them paired with the A-line skirts and Capri pants. Crocodile belts are still all the rage and driving gloves are a must this season.

 

NOSTALGIA
Some collections revisit other times and places bringing back the glamour and elegance of a bygone eras. The Roaring Twenties inspired Diane Von Furstenberg’s collection showing kicky flapper dresses with fringe and drop-waists. Famous for her wrap dresses, she has even added one called the "Gatsby wrap." Michael Kors dedicated his collection to the Italian island of Capri with jersey dresses with "cabana stripes" and an awning-striped "yachting dress." Cynthia Steffe mines the late 50’s, reprising a "Marilyn dress" and Capri pants reminiscent of Hollywood stars from a half-century ago but still looking good today. We can still see the influence of the 80’s with more than a few flippy, layered skirts and chiffon halter dresses gracing us with their presence.

 

In an eclectic season with trends all over the style map, the spring 2004 Fashion Week wrapped up with no single consensus. My advice to you, my sisters in style, is do whatcha like…! And if you see a crazy girl this summer in her car jammin’ out to Wham! Well, just go easy on her! The girl can’t help it!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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