Center stage: steal the spotlight in dramatic dresses in elaborately embroidered silk, ruffled chiffon or body-skimming satin

Shape, Dec, 2004 by Nicola Majocchi

Drama Queens

Create your own special effects in show-stopping fabrics like dreamy chiffon and luminous silk charmeuse. Shawn Ray Fons silk-chiffon halter dress, $1,605. Opposite, from left: Carolina Herrera ribbon silk twill gown with drape neck, $3,590. R.J. Graziano gold-plated bangles, $65 for set of six. Alberta Ferretti silk-satin sleeveless V-neck gown, $2,129. On previous spread, from left: Jill Stuart silk-chiffon ballerina dress, $525. Claire's gold-plated double-strand drop earrings, $5.50. Alberta Ferretti canvas strappy sandal, $440. Michael Kors embroidered heavy silk-charmeuse gown, $10,000. Pua pink 14-karat gold "Bubbles" necklace, $250. Stuart Weitzman leather sandal with crystal ornaments, $345. On him: Diesel cotton/spandex crewneck short-sleeved T-shirt, $30. Dockers flat-front polyester/viscose/Lycra-blend pant, $55. Shoes: model's own. (His outfit worn throughout.)

Beauty note Color-treated hair is safer from the harsh sun in fall and winter, but other environmental factors, including lack of humidity and more time with a blow-dryer, can still strip locks of needed moisture. To help protect color from fading and make hair more manageable, try Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care Mask, $34, with superhydrating avocado oil.

Dangerous Liaisons

Jump-start the night and emphasize your assets in a figure-defining bustier and a skirt that hugs the hips. Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dragon-print satin mandarin-collar halter top with bustier, $1,945, and matching fishtail skirt, $3,790. Beauty note When you're up close and personal with someone, you want a scent that's fresh--and even a bit sexy--but never overpowering, like Jil Sander Pure ($55 for 1.7 ounces), with notes of cyclamen flower, jasmine, green sap, white musk and sandalwood. See Buyer's Guide, page 194, for retail information.

Photography by Nicola Majocchi