Paris in the springtime - Ebony Fashion Fair

Ebony, May, 2003 by Eunice W. Johnson

Spring in Paris is always an exciting time, and the 2003 season offers design that do not disappoint fashion aficionados or the ordinary woman. Setting the pace for French designers is Valentino who offers several ensembles that exude clean, hip elegance (including a skirt suit, a pant suit and an evening ensemble) in the season's hot color: white. Colorful attire also was shown on the runways quite a bit, including sunflower yellow and hot pink. Fabrics range in textures from sheer chiffon to clingy silks to leather and leather looks. Fun and fantasy fuse in Alexander McQueen's edgy and sensual urban designs. Ungaro And Rebanne offer sassy, silky gowns with theatrical flair, and Dior is sometimes upscale and at other times streetwise chic.

Valentino suit with short skirt and short jacket with notched lapels, epaulettes and cuffed sleeves. Both jacket and skirt are adorned with pleated patch pockets accented with star buttons.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Right: Three-quarter-length jacket with Nehru collar and zip-and-ring closure that exposes midriff, worn over drop-waist, no band flared pant. Accessorized with white handbag and shoes. By Valentino

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Two-piece evening pant outfit with embellished sheer hot pink blouson top with cummerbund waist and raglan-cut shoulders, worn over mocha pant with same embellished design, by Celine. Accessorized with shoulder-dusting earrings.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Elegant white evening ensemble pairs sheer blouse with solid collar, cuffs and patch pockets with ankle-length, accordion-pleated skirt. Accessorized with Ribbon belt with Large broach buckle. By Valentino.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Right: Strut on the wild side in Alexander McQueen's bright yellow ensemble that pairs feathery top with parachute pants with zip slits. Accessorized with High-heeled sandals.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Right: Deep red leather suit with shirt-style jacket with drawstring waist and four patch pockets worn over matching straight skirt. By Lanvin.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Far left: Short brown leather jacket with oversized lapels worn over lilac silk dress with ruffle insets. By Yves Saint Laurent.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Left: Cropped bronze-toned leather pant with wide waistband and patch pockets is topped with white blouse with wide cuffs and jeweled chains extending from shoulders. Accessorized with bronze shoes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Layered sheer dress has white collar and is worn under black jacket. By Lagerfeld. Accessorized with jeweled string bracelet with touch of royal blue that picks up riyal blue strap on black stilettos.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Glorify the seasons wearing Ungaro's attention-grabbing white ensemble with splashes of purple and fuchsia. Ornate jacket with decorative shoulder patches is worn over chiffon skirt with high front split trimmed with layers of flounce and ruffles. Accessorized with high-heeled ankle-tie sandals.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Left: Paco Rabanne designs bronzy-gold polka dot patterned gown that has decollete neckline, bare shoulders and high side split. Accessorized with tinted acrylic chain-linked belt worn low on hips.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Above: Christian Dior interprets urban chic with brown bra halter top worn over low-waist metallic cargo pant with an assortment of pockets. Accessorized with unusual gold shoes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]