Coats, Suits & Trenches - women's clothing fashions - Brief Article

Ebony, Oct, 2000 by Eunice W. Johnson

WITH ATTITUDE

Designers in Europe and the U.S. offer a great selection of coats and suits that gives fashionable women a wealth of options this season. The styles and fabrics are classy rather than trendy, and there is something to flatter every body type.

Some coat lengths fall right at the knee, such as Ellen Tracy's wool twill coat, while others are three-quarters in length or just above ankle, as seen in Han Feng's double-faced wool tailored creation. Coats with notch lapel collars were shown, but variations of the high or stand-up collar seem to have been favored by many designers.

One particular trench coat that made a is Bottega Veneta's dazzling moire trench with wide lapels. Coat fabrics ranged from tweeds and herringbones and mohair to leather, fur and microfibers.

In addition, pantsuits continue to be popular, and some were shown with dress-up touches like stand-up collars and chiffon ruffle edging the sleeves. Carmen Marc Valvo even showed his take on the classic tuxedo pantsuit.

Whether a working woman or a socialite, you should be able to find your dream coat or suit among this season's offerings.

Three-piece ensemble by Ellen Tracy with knee-length wool twill coat worn over houndstooth miniskirt and V-neck silk and wool tank top. Accessorized with leather belt and tights.

Han Feng designs two-button midi-length, double-faced, wool tailored coat with wide lapels, matching miniskirt and high-neck silk shirt. Accessorized with above-the-ankle boots and matching colored stockings.

Yves St. Laurent designs midi-length double-breasted four-button coat with peak-lapel collar and flap pockets. Accessorized leather gloves.

Two-piece skirt suit with double-breasted, six-button round lapel jacket by Valentino. Accessorized with wrist-length kid gloves, fox muff and dark sunglasses.

Camel and black crystallized geo-check wool stroller coat, belted at waist, by John Bartlett. Accessorized with leather gloves.

Two-piece wool crepe skirt suit by Ellen Tracy has button-front jacket with turned up collar and cuffs and pleated skirt. Accessorized with multistrand gold necklace

Three piece tuxedo pantsuit with silk organza blouse and bell-bottom cuffed pants with narrow alligator belt, by Carmen Marc Valvo. Accessorized with fedora hat.

Bottega Veneta designs moire trench coat with wide lapels and collar, belted at waist, with matching oversized sack bag.

Two-piece button-front pantsuit with stand-up gathered collar and double-chiffon ruffle at end of sleeve, by Gucci.

Louis Vuitton designs cashmere coat with stand-up collar, breast pocket, long belt and large flap side pockets.

Knee-length trench coat with large collar, epaulets on shoulder, belted waist and cuffs, by Gaultier. Accessorized with fedora hat, colorful print stockings, leather ankle boots and suede gloves tucked in belt at waist.

Three quarter-length, lined, zip-front leather coat with high stand-up collar and side pockets, by Antonio Barardi.