Made in Italy: 2003 spring fashions from Milan - Ebony Fashion Fair

Creations from Italian designers for the spring and summer 2003 season exude sexuality and sensuality. The fabrics are light and shimmering. The colors range from bright and racy to soft and seductive. And bare skin often is the prevailing theme--in the form of bra tops, dropped waistlines, bare shoulders, abundant splits and slits, and short-short hemlines. Yet, there is elegance (Alberta Ferretti's column gown), sophistication (Ferretti's mid-calf coatdress) and sassiness (Gucci's white minidress). And, of course, there are plenty of fine Italian leather accessories. This is the season to welcome warm weather, and Italian designers do it well by celebrating sensual skin.

Right: Shimmering silver strapless column gown with long stole that flows into a train exudes elegance. By Alberta Ferretti.

Left: Turn heads in red three-piece ensemble of glistening patent leather bomber jacket worn over satin bra top and cropped pant. By Max Mara. Accessorized with red T-strap sandals.

Left: Red, mid-calf, double-breasted trench-coat dress has epaulettes, patch pockets and notched lapels. By Alberta Ferretti. Accessorized with bag and red and taupe shoes.

Right: Summery ensemble features sheer white with aqua blue print man's tailored blouse with patch pockets, worn over aqua satin skirt with lattice detail at front of dropped waist and cascading hemline. By Alviero Martini. Accessorized with aqua and green necklace and aqua sandals.

Ecru colored suit has kimono style jacket with edges piped in white trim and tasseled cord closure, worn over straight skirt with trumpet hemline and tasseled cord tie around brown yoke below waist. By Alberta Ferretti. Accessorized with white and yellow scarf with brown and white polka-dot trim, and brown and white shoes.

Below: Gucci's white collared halter minidress is accented with studded eyelets and has deep-V front and belt tied at waist.

Left: Versace exudes youthful flair with high-sheen, purple trench-coat jacket with oversized lapels and belted at waist, worn over short, studded, full yellow skirt. Note: Oversized gold jewelry.

Above: Three-piece tan and white ensemble combines mitered stripe, front-button blouse with striped pant, worn with four-button khaki jacket with notched lapels and patch pockets. By Alviero Martini.

Left: Silver blue boatneck sweater with dolman sleeves is paired with brown satin pant for a chic casual look. Accessorized with oversized black sunglasses and leather handbag. By Gucci

Right: Blue T-shirt and tan one-shoulder studded leather bra top worn over blue taffeta moire pants with silver buttoned bib front. Accessorized with large leather bag and chain belt. From Dolce & Gabbana.

Left: Bright yellow suede peasant blouson, drawstring waist minidress has deep front slit held together with second drawstring. By Iceberg.

Below: Wrap tunic with floral appliques and sequins is anchored with wide leather cummerbund, worn over hot pants that match lining of tunic. By Blumarine.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group