Italian Visions S/S 2000 - fashion trends for spring and summer 2000 - Brief Article

Ebony, May, 2000 by Eunice W. Johnson

For spring and summer 2000, designers at home and abroad offered fashions that show off the feminine form while providing a whimsical flair. As is fitting for the warm-weather season, plenty of skin was bared by halter tops, off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder garments, which often were bright and colorful. Chiffon continued to be a favorite as it was shown as halters, over blouses, and as underlays and overlays for pants and skirts. Sequins, beads, fringe and feathers effectively embellished tops and skirts that varied in length from thigh-high to the knee. Also seen on the runways for spring and summer were flattering abstract patterns that added pizzazz to evening gowns, short dresses and short-shorts ensembles.

One-shoulder midriff top with side-slit closing worn with matching knee-length skirt with long tie belt, by Black designer LAWRENCE STEELE.

Three-piece ensemble with zebra-inspired tube top worn under wide V-neck, long-sleeve, sheer blouse with shoulder and elbow ruffles and sequined, knee-length skirt with sheer ruffle down side seams and around hemline, with jewel belt at waist, by FENDI of Rome. Accessorized with striped suede and leather purse with buckle closure.

GIORGIO ARMANI creates colorful abstract design ensemble with one-strap, beaded bodice and beads enhancing horizontally striped side-slit skirt. Accessorized with multiple bracelets and purse with teardrop beads.

One-shoulder, three-quarter-length sleeve, above-the-knee cocktail dress with circular abstract print design, by MISSONI.

EMILIO PUCCI of Rome designs six-button, below-the-waist, abstract-print jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves worn with bikini top and matching hip hugger shorts.

Strapless, draped cocktail ensemble with large plaid and solid shawl, worn with scattered sequin pants by D'AMICO.

Note: Unusual eye makeup and hairstyle with bow on top of head.

Two-piece cocktail ensemble with chiffon midriff halter top over hip-below-the-knee-side-split, breaded skirt.

Beaded, fringed halter top worn over fitted jersey sey skirt. Both ensembles by LAWRENCE STEELE.

Feathers are flying in LAWRENCE STEELE'S multi-tiered skirt worn with deep V-neck top with metallic, string-draped beaded front and racer back.

Long-sleeve, high-collared button-front maxi coat worn over drawstring baggy pants, by ETRO. Note: Unusually long braided hair.

FENDI designs high-waist, tie-closure, round-neck, three-quarter-length-sleeve jacket decorated with braided trim, worn with embroidered shorts under sheer drawstring pants. Note: Wide sequined bracelet, three-buckle purse and open-toe, above-the-ankle boots.