Casual Luxury - variations on clothing designs for gala occasions - Brief Article

Ebony, August, 1999 by Eunice W. Johnson

FROM NEW YORK CITY

In these times of ever-changing trends, it is not unusual to see contrasting styles at the same event. At glamorous Hollywood galas, some celebrities wear luxurious gowns. Others wear upscale versions of jeans and leather suits. So it is not surprising to see New York designers offer ensembles that combine casual comfort with sophisticated glamour. There are simple, elegant gowns with dragging hems, and casual tops paired with voluminous skirts. One designer shows a flowing crepe gown that is elegant and chic but certainly not the usual evening wear. In coming seasons, luxurious casuals will be on the scene, and labeled hot casual items.

Left: William Calvert designs V-neck body sculptured satin evening gown with three-quarter-length sleeves, and floor-dragging train.

Right: Two-piece taffeta evening ensemble with spaghetti-strap top and A-line -skirt, by Nicole Miller.

Right: Deep, scoop-neck, diagonal water-wave, muted striped, knitted maxidress with horizontally striped long sleeves, by Xuly Bet.

Two-piece ensemble with ethnic-patterned, sleeveless, mock turtleneck, midriff sweater and palazzo pants, by Ralph Lauren. Accessorized with knit ski

headband.

Far right: Mock neck, sleeveless dress with double-belted pouch, by BCBG (Bon Chic Bon Genre).

Right: Strapless, floral-print taffeta, floor-length dress with draped bodice top and hip line, by Todd Thomas.

Above: Oscar de la Renta designs camel double-faced wool ensemble featuring knee-length coat with crossed fox-notched collar, wool skirt and waffle-weave turtleneck sweater. Note: Knee-high suede boots.

Left: Two-piece skirt and jacket ensemble featuring round-neck, long-sleeves, three-button closure, front pockets and belted at waist, by Geoffrey Beene of New York. Note: Unusual shoulder treatment on jacket.

Right: Long, flowing, crepe evening maxidress with rollneck collar, short sleeves, side pockets and bias-cut skirt, by Todd Thomas.

Above: Vertical-stitched, sleeveless, high-neck leather top with navel exposure, worn with low hip-hugging skirt with five-metal clasp closures down front, by Todd Thomas. Note: Knee-high suede boots.

Right: Renowned wedding dress designer Vera Wang of New York creates sleeveless, sheer, A-line, below-the- knee dress with asymmetrical neckline and crisscross sequin line design. Accessorized with matching doublestrap sandals.