Invitation only

Ebony, Dec, 2004 by Eunice W. Johnson

The holidays are here, and it's time to ponder what you will wear to the social season's biggest event. New York designers offer plenty of inspiration. Consider the gorgeous red decolletage satin dress and red-tiered chiffon gown. If red is too hot for your mood or personality, consider Marc Bouwer's calming yet elegant olive green gown with exquisitely sequined bodice or Badgley Mishka's champagne-hued gown with detached mink sleeves. Fur accents are big this season--on boots, purses, coats, suits and elsewhere. Yes, even on evening wear. So whether you want to update your basic black dress or spice up your party wardrobe with bold color and even bolder necklines, innovative designers in the nation's fashion capital give you just the right gown for that special invitation-only event.

Model legend Beverly Johnson is gorgeous in The Heart Truth red satin decolletage halterneck gown, accessorized with crystal necklace and gold sandals.

Slinky gold satin slip gown has decolletage and shoulder straps embellished with sequins and gems. Accessorized with crystal earrings and red shoes. By Tracy Reese.

Black tie doesn't mean you can't be sassy in Baby Phat's cocktail dresses with flirty asymmetrical hemlines-black with single shoulder strap and pink dress with black back lace-up, crisscross ribbons. Accessorized with matching fur-trimmed boots with stiletto heels.

Vivacious entertainer Vanessa L. Williams showcases The Heart Truth elegant red chiffon spaghetti-strapped tiered gown with train. Accessorized with diamond earrings and red heels.

Elegant sequined bodice, A-lined silhouette gown has a daring decolletage cowl drape neckline tied at waist with long satin ribbon belt. By Marc Bouwer.

Badgley Mishka's champagne-colored gown has sequined satin bodice with shirred cummerbund-like waist and embroidered/sequined sheer overlay over long skirt. Accessorized with mink and sequined detached sleeves.

Make a grand entrance in Marc Bouwer's panne velvet gown with asymmetrically shirred bodice and thigh-high front split.

Supersexy strapless abstract-print chiffon gown by Carlos Miele is patchworked with lace, piping and ruffled hemline.

Richard Tyler's elaborate burnout leaf motif panne velvet gown with train revealing a punched-out leather-attached bolero. Worn with heels of same earth tones.

B. Michael's burgundy satin ball gown with scooped neckline and circular cuffs has pleated details and voluminous train. Accessorized with satin shoes of same fabric.

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