Desert drama: it's getting hot out here: burnished bronzes, sun-kissed taupes and honey-dipped siennas add richness and light to spring's most original styles

Shape, March, 2004 by Kristina Ferrante Coleman

Facing West

Diaphanous fabrics lighten your look--and your mood. Ralph Lauren Blue Label vintage rugged-leather jacket, $850. Badgley Mischka silk floral-print gown with jeweled detail, $4,990. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a necklace and a bracelet), $3 per yard. Tiffini Dooris carnelian cluster 14-karat gold-filled ring, $114. MaxMara lace-up beaded sandal, $510. On previous page: Diane von Furstenberg aluminum-threaded jersey gown, $1,200. Agatha gold-filled choker, $34. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a necklace and a bracelet). R.J. Graziano wood bracelet, $65.

Beauty note Envelop yourself in the rich aroma of L'Instant de Guerlain parfum, $90 for 0.25 ounce, a heady, citrus-honey scent with musk notes.

Here Comes the Sun

Reflect Nature's beauty and variety back to her in cinnamon-colored suede and turquoise-and-coffee-accented crochet. Miu Miu brown suede cropped jacket, $950. Ralph Lauren Swimwear striped crochet "Ricky" bikini, $120. Christie Martin stone feather earrings with silver trim, $120. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a necklace).

Beauty note Get a desert-bronzed look the healthy way with Revlon New Complexion makeup: Start with One-Step Compact Makeup, with SPF 15; it's a foundation and powder in one that gives skin a flawless finish. Top it off with the New Complexion Bronzing Powder, each $13, for a sun-kissed glow.

Come Fly With Me

An intricate vest paired with a bikini makes a sexy look even hotter. D & G suede hippie vest, $1,570. OMO Norma Kamali parachute-fabric string bra, $285. Gara Danielle 14-karat gold-filled rhodonite chandelier earrings, $79. R.J. Graziano faux-bone bangle bracelets, $30 each. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a bracelet and wrapped around the middle of bra). Tiffini Dooris 14-karat gold-filled citrine ring, $94.

Beauty note Standout lashes are yours with Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Mascara, $7, which adds up to five times the volume without the clumps; it's available in both washable and waterproof options and only in Very Black.

Net Assets

DKNY viscose-rayon netted tank, $195. DKNY silk asymmetrical ruched skirt, $195. Christie Martin silver circle necklace with stone feathers, $255. R.J. Graziano skinny silver-toned bracelets, $45 for a set of five. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a bracelet).

Beauty note Protect yourself from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays with Shiseido's new Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 33, $27, with Ultra Fine Zinc Oxide, a nonsticky, translucent sun protection ingredient.

Call of the Wild

A suede mini with a bit of fringe surprises everyone. Izzy suede shell jacket, $365. Bottega Veneta hand-crocheted ribbon bikini, $580. DKNY suede tassel mini-skirt, $495. Tiffini Dooris citrine and garnet 14-karat gold-filled chandelier earrings, $258. Wendy Mink at Yvette Fry triple-strand carnelian and silver-seed bead necklace, $125. Beads of Paradise European leather string (worn as a necklace).

Beauty note Get free-flowing, glossy hair with Pantene's new vitamin-enriched Pro-V Smooth & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, $6; it smoothes out strands and gives hair a healthy luster. See Buyer's Guide, page 191, for retail information.

HAIR: MICHIEL SANDERS.

MAKEUP: ROBERTO MORELLI FOR NARS/LINK.

PROP STYLING: NICK TORTORICI/SOLO ARTISTS.

Fashion Director: Kristina Ferrante Coleman

Photography by Christophe Jouany