Wrapping Up For Winter - Brief Article

Ebony, Sept, 2001 by Eunice W. Johnson

FRENCH READY-TO-WEAR 2001

For the coming cool weather seasons, French designers offer plenty of sophisticated looks in dresses, suits and outerwear to help you wrap up for winter in style. From streetwise chic to classic timeless pieces, there is variety in the creations with plenty of options to appease every fashion taste.

Celine's relaxed rustic looks include several outfits in black with slim, belted knit dresses worn under short jackets of leather or wool, or under a voluminous down coat, all accented with funky boots.

Other designers also favored leather. Michael Klein's sophisticated black dress was accessorized with a wide leather cummerbund, and Costume International offered a rich, dramatic leather wrap coat. Among the suits on the scene this winter are Lolita Lempicka's pumpkin-hued, two-piece and Valentino's red peplum creation. A number of designers showed trendy fur jackets and coats, as well as stylish, wearable clothing that will appeal to everyone.

Generous quilted down-filled coat with shawl collar worn over short knit dress with belt low on hips, by Celine. Note: Mid-calf high boots.

Lolita Lempicka's pumpkin-hued wool suit has knee-length skirt, accessorized with heavy knit turtle-neck accent, cuffs and ankle warmers, as well as furry shoulder bag and pumpkin-colored shoes.

Knee-length, military-influenced leather wrap coat-dress from Costume International has high stand-up collar and wide belt.

Simple V-neck, knee-length wool dress is worn with wide leather cummerbund. By Michael Klein.

Lilac and black wool knit ensemble from Veronique Leroy unites mini sweater dress, over-sized shawl with knee and arm warmers. Note: White booties.

Balmain's dyed, two-tone red fur cape is worn over mini cocktail dress with sequined square panels.

Vivienne Westwood's bluish-gray, double-sided wool wrap coat with button on shoulder and at waist has piping on sleeves.

Red and white, one-button, short A-line coat has cropped sleeves and is piped in red, by Isabel Marant.

Long sweater dress by Celine is worn under cropped pea jacket and topped with leather cap. Note: Rugged boots.

Michel Klein pairs three-quarter-length belted leather jacket with patch pockets with short shirred and layered skirt. Note: Red and black cowboy boots.

Elegant red winter suit has peplum jacket with round neck and five large buttons, worn over straight knee-length skirt and accessorized with red handbag, by Valentino.

Leather bomber jacket with zipper and snap closures worn over pleated dress. Accessorized with black calf-high boots and skull cap, by Celine.

On our model: Elements' Earth lipstick with Bronze lip liner; Metallic Sable, Toast and Persian Pink shadows; Chocolate Chip blush and Tan Glo Perfect Finish Creme Makeup.