The New York Fall & Winter collection 2003/04 - Ebony Fashion Fair

Ebony, Nov, 2003 by Eunice W. Johnson

For the Fall/Winter season, New York designers offer a variety of stylish selections that fit your mood of the moment, whether it is casual, comfortable, elegant or chic. When the mood is dressed-down casual, there are sweaters, slacks and skirts that fit the bill, including Anne Klein's simple sweater and skirt ensemble. Or you may want to step it up to dazzling chic by taking your lead from Sean Jean's leather ensembles or Baby Phat's eye-catching leopard print minidress.

When it's time to socialize at the biggest events of the season, there is also plenty to choose from. Ballgowns range from elegant (Carolina Herrera's champagne-hued gown) to luxurious (Carmen Marc Valvo's red gown) to luscious and scintillating (Victor de Souza's sassy yellow and burgundy gown).

Whether it's casual, comfortable or stylish chic, New York designers have what suits your fashion needs for fall and winter.

Casual Comfortable & Chic

Simple shimmering silver cocktail gown with adjustable spaghetti straps. by Zac Posen.

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Left: Strapless scarlet princess gown has fitted, draped bodice. By Carmen Marc Valvo.

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Black and grey houndstooth check coat with shawl collar is worn over grey tweed pants and black blouse. By Zanella.

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Above: Walk on the wild side in Baby Phat's animal print, sleeveless A-line minidress with scarf-tie at neckline. Accessorized with big hair, sunglasses and fur stole.

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Left: Tracy Reese's black/white large polka-dot crew-neck sweater and small-dot sheer blouse are worn over purple body-hugging pants with black waist band.

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Wrap up in Peter Som's ensemble of winter white chenille sweater with peplum; fringe on long sleeves match fringe on long matching wrap. Accessorized with brown satin ribbon and worn over slate grey full-legged pants.

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Right: Anne Klein offers a fresh, youthful look with dark grey sleeveless sweater over white long-sleeved sweater, both topping bold horizontally striped green, white and grey skirt, accessorized with black leather belt with long tassels.

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Leather makes a bold statement in Sean Jean's three-piece ensemble of asymmetrical zip-front jacket, leather bra-top and dropped-waist miniskirt with flounce. Accessorized with lace-up boots.

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Right: Ralph Lauren demonstrates the art of layering with three-piece ensemble of taupe turtleneck sweater and satin, mid-calf, bias-cut skirt, worn with brown suede biker jacket with taupe lining and brown suede boots.

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Attention-grabbing asymmetrical yellow cocktail dress by Victor de Souza has bold burgundy stripes on one side of bodice and curving across hips. Note panels that float from asymmetrical hemline. Accessorized with flamboyant yellow hat with burgundy strips and matching shoes.

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Right: Oscar de la Renta designs simple black ensemble of dirndl skirt topped with sleeveless sweater with ornate rhinestone embroidery, accessorized with with long pendant and chandelier earrings.

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Champagne-colored, sleeveless decolletage column gown has black flower on cummerbund. By Carolina Herrera.

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