Euro Mix - fall and winter 1999 fashion collections - Brief Article

Ebony, Sept, 1999 by Eunice W. Johnson

Eclectic, fanciful and dazzling are all adjectives that describe the fall and winter ready-to-wear collections from Europe's noted designers. Sumptuously textured fabrics, including leather and knits, continue to be favorites for creative ensembles. Outerwear ranged from a sleek, leopard-print, knee-length coat and a voluminous Aztec design to leather jackets, ponchos and a fur-lined, floor-length creation. Knee-high leather boots accessorized knee-length and above-the-knee skirts. Overall, the European Mix offers great designs that suggest warm and cozy comfort for the coming cold weather season.

Left: A great fabric mix by Issey Miyake. Long-sleeve, abstract-design skirt suit ensemble with cutouts on sides of skirt. Accessorized with zip-up hood that falls to shoulders over scoop-neck top.

Above: Long-sleeved knit sweater with abstract angle-shaped front and fringed shawl collar held in place with round decorative pin, worn over draped leather skit with snap-front closing, by John Galliano.

Two-piece jacket and skirt ensemble by Chanel with stand-up collar, front-button closing with two-button-down patch pockets. Warn over high-waist skirt and chain-link belt below waist line. Note: Below-the-knee cuffed boots.

Left: Long-sleeve, round-neck, leopard-print coat, belted and tied at waist with bow and worn over soft, draped satin pants, by Gucci.

Above: John Galliano designs voluninous coat with yoke, oversized collar, cuffs and bottom bordered with Aztec Indian-inspired pattern. Fastened with two huge button in front. Note: Herringpole pattern on body of coat and striped shoes.

Right: Reminiscent of martial arts, Issey Miyake designs coatdress with long sleeves, banded neckline and belted at waist with open slit that reveals pants.

Above: Long-sleeve, fitted leather jacket with turned-up collar, zip-up front and bow-tie belt. Worn over horizontally gathered skirt, with matching knee-high gathered boots, by Gucci.

Above: Bold bicolor, abstract-design poncho with five stripes around border, worn over turtleneck top and pants, designed by Louis Vuitton.

Right: Gianfranco Ferre designs slim, stand-up collar, floor-length coat lined in bright blue fur, worn over minidres; accessorized with above-the-knee boots.

Above: Midi-length, multi-color reversible coat, worn over ankle-length sack dress with plunging V-neck. Note scarf banded around neck. Designed by Fendi.