|
|
The bomber jacket is back, and this time its utilitarian chic at Dolce & Gabbana with full dance skirts and tag zip pockets. This cropped look is satirical and indulgent at Dior, while Miu Miu's designs created a de-militarized zone in gold brocade and caramel fur. The daytime look had a dash of decadence at Dolce & Gabbana and Katayone Adelihey mixed the bomber jacket with nylon and fur trimmed elegance. Sexy with a low-slung pant or flattering with a fitted skirt, this jacket was made to march with all kinds of boots: slouchy or fitted, suede or fur.
|
 |
|
|
From Chanel to Adrienne Vittadini, designers are using quilting as one of the most futuristic trends on everything from belts to bags. With all the choices available it's sure to be a look that can carry anything! Quilting can be as comforting as your down comforter in a Kamali coat or as homespun as a Bohemian in Marni's pants. Louis Vuitton uses quilting as trim on winter white pants and Miu Miu sent cropped lightweight jackets, skirts and jogging pants down the runway with quilting as front and center.
|
|
|
|
Fringe is no longer on the fringe, it's all the rage and it's going to new lengths. Coach used it as a trim on boots for a hippy yet western feel while Christian Lacroix and Ferre jeans used it to trim shawl collars, sweaters and tiered evening skirts. Missoni, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana are finishing off crocheted skirts and ponchos with fringe, while Gucci edged black satin sheaths for evening and Ungaro rocked pewter leather sling bags and snakeskin sacks. But Chanel really tickled our fancy with fancy trim fringe on its classic gold button jackets.
|
|
|
|
In fashion, lines are often blurred between stylish and sublime, thick and thin, jagged and bold. That's why stripes are strong staples for any wardrobe. Pinstripes unmasked those masculine looks for suiting at Diane von Furstenburg while short suits at Emporio Armani and slouchy pants from DKNY are definitely desirable for a relaxed retro chic. Alexander McQueen, Dries van Noten and Gaultier used slim stripes on second skin satin skirts and psychedelic styled suiting while at Marc Jacobs, Bernard Wilhelm topped off the look with knits and tees to keep you in the stars and stripes forever.
|
|
|
|
It's not just crushed anymore; the chic of velvet is back on top. Tom Ford made it modern for YSL in raw edges and Chloe had fitted suits with skirts or pants as well as romantic peasant tops. Soft and flowy dresses from Donna Karan and MaxMara are perfect for a Valentine's dinner while Costume National's olive green suit and Gaultier's tobacco colored jacket and pants are a festive, fun and fiery addition to all wardrobes. Looking to punctuate the day with a vibrant velvet print? Try modern 60's patterns from Missoni or Pucci... the past can be a pleasant surprise.
|
|
| Photographs are provided by FirstVIEW copyright 2002 |
|
|
 |
|
| phillip bloch |
|
Valentine's
Well, it's that time again. It's cold outside and my heart is warm and ready for love, but let me tell you nothin' says lovin' like something Chanel, Armani, Versace, Coach, Kate Spade, Dior, Hermes, or Fendi. And just like the people we love, gifts come in all shapes and sizes, like clothes, perfume, beauty products, scarves, sunglasses or a great bag (like a tote, messenger bag or doctor bag) to carry it all away in, maybe for a rendezvous in an exotic place (also see eBay Travel)!
If you're a romantic at heart, head for jewelry: big bold stones, amethyst, turquoise, tourmaline are very in vogue. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds in pink, brown, yellow, black or classic white are the presents that rekindle the spark whether the style is new or vintage. A cocktail ring, studs or chandelier earrings or a great watch or bracelet all add some luxury to our lives. Remember, these are more than just frivolous gifts: jewelry and art are both valuable assets.
Speaking of assets, why play games with the stock market? Let your heart and your present say "thanks for investing in our past, this is an investment in our future." After all, aren't our loved ones worth a little more than a box of chocolate and some roses? Don't forget, learning to love yourself is the most important gift of all. So if your lover fell short this Valentine's Day, let eBay be your shopping partner. With these kinds of buys, who needs a holiday?
|
|
|
