Glitz, Gold & Glamour - Brief Article

Ebony, Sept, 2000 by Eunice W. Johnson

Glitz, gold and glamour were the recurring design themes that surfaced during the Fall Italian ready-to-wear collections. Ladylike chic was a common thread, with an abundance of feminine touches, such as lingerie details, thigh-high slits and whimsical layers of accordion-pleated chiffon. Tasteful glitz was evident in ensembles that exuded luxury and wealth, and a number of designs were accessorized with fur coats or fur trim. Leather continued to be en vogue, as evidenced in several Gucci designs, as well as those of others. But just as often, soft, delicate fabrics were utilized. The overall result was a fall collection that expressed the pleasures of being feminine.

Gucci designs knee-length gold leather coat with banded waistline, shoulders and cuffs, concealed button-front closing and high collar.

Note dark sunglasses and printed scarf tied around head.

Halter-neck, shimmering organza-draped blouse with wide below-the-waist tuck and circular midi-length skirt with slant pockets and bustle-back down-to-floor over spaghetti-strap sequin top, worn with sable fur coat. Accessorized with wide gold choker and ankle-strap boots with gold heels by Fendi.

V-striped, sleeveless, front-zipped vest worn with soft leather tight-fitting pants. Accessorized with striped shoes that match top, by Roberto Cavalli.

Halter-neck evening gown with bicolor, wide irregular stripes, cowl neck and thigh-high split trimmed with matching feathers around edges of opening, by Roberto Cavalli.

Dolce & Gabbana designs halter neck chiffon evening gown with bicolored bodice and pleated multicolored skirt, tied at waist with huge accordion-pleated sash hanging from side. Accessorized with one large loop earring and sequined tam.

Roberto Cavalli designs reverse turtle-print ensemble of open-front blouse with long tie at sleeve cuffs and skirt with side gussets and black suede belt. Accessorized with matching print slippers.

Metallic gold, long-sleeve body suit worn with dropped-waist hot pants. Accessorized with scarf around neck and leather gloves, by Missoni.

Three-piece ensemble with printed blouse, with jabot and buttons down front, leather blazer, satin skirt, and crushed-satin headpiece, by Black designer Lawrence Steele.

Versace designs rainbow-striped, long-sleeve high-turtle-neck blouse with two large matching buttons on waistband of solid red stretch pants.

Quilted leather coat with front zipper, stand-up collar, long sleeves, flap patch pockets and tricolored belt with double buckle closing. Accessorized with chain-link shoulder bag, decorative scarf on head and dark sunglasses.

Ten-button, double-breasted wool coat with long sleeves, leather shoulder patches and leather belt. Accessorized with shoulder bag, dark cap and sunglasses. Both by Gucci.

Gianfranco Ferre designs deep V-neck draped-collar blouse with velvet baggy pants worn under floor-length floral embroidered coat with mink trim bordering collar and cuffs. Note Marcel hairstyle.