Elegance in black & white: 2004 spring fashions from London

Ebony, March, 2004 by Eunice W. Johnson

EBONY FASHION FAIR

THE London runways were vibrant with a variety of styles, from highbrow elegance to streetwise casual. One resonating theme: great designs in black and white. There were gorgeous gowns and cocktail dresses that flattered and revealed the feminine form. And there were sassy pant ensembles for day and evening. For this feature, we chose to focus on the sophisticated elegance that characterized creations by several designers. Ben de Lisi in particular showed stunningly elegant gowns and ensembles that appeal to multigenerational classy dressers. For the evening scene, sheer layers of fabric were still en vogue, and some pieces were spiced with ribbons of color, sequins or fur accents. From the runways of London, we present spring elegance in black and white.

Left: Ben de Lisi designs dress of black abstract pattern on multi-layered sheer white fabric, with spaghetti straps and bodice trimmed in jeweled green ribbon, Accessorized with silver earrings and sandals. Right: Sheer black dress with asymmetrical hemline is topped with fur shrug and accessorized with flat white sandals. By Boudicca.

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Wearable art takes on new meaning in Warren Noronha's bubble dress that hangs from a string halter. Note: Silver Mary Jane slippers.

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Ben De Lisi's bold zebra-striped silk pant is topped with white zip-front jacket with Nehru collar.

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Ben de Lisi's elegant sheer cocktail dress has sequined halter bodice and hemline that falls just below the knee. Right: Boudicca presents a sequined white cocktail dress with round cowl neckline, drop shoulders and capped sleeves.

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Left: For the daring, youthful-bodied fashionistas, Maria Grachvogel presents a striking ensemble of white blouson halter worn over sheer skirt with strategically placed block of opaque fabric. Complemented by white/silver sandals and silver belt Right: Body-hugging gown has one spaghetti strap and one broad sequined strap. By Ben de Lisi.

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Left: Supershort mini halter dress is accented with rows of gold studs. Worn with lace-up Roman boot. By Julien Macdonald.

Right: Perfect for luncheons, dinners and much more is Ashley Isham's ensemble of white print halter top accented with oversized matching scarf. Belted and worn over black knee-length skirt. Accessorized with black pumps and flower in hair.

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Evening ensemble pairs soft pink belted silk satin jacket with black satin wide-legged pant. "Accessorized with large jeweled hoop earrings. By Ashley Isham.

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John Roche's vibrant ensemble tops white full skirt of layers of fabric petals with black short-sleeved blouse with large bow. Note: White slippers.