new york A NEW WAVE OF FEMININITY - fashion - Brief Article

Ebony, July, 2000 by Eunice W. Johnson

A NEW WAVE OF FEMINITY

A new wave of femininity swept the runways as New York designers previewed their offerings for the 2000 fall-winter season. Many were inspired to create fashions that glorify ladylike qualities, from beading and embroidery to shimmery, sensuous fabrics and body flattering designs. Fur continues to be popular, as mink, fox, raccoon and sheared beaver showed up as garments, trims and accents. Chic wrap skirts of leather and softer fabrics were seen in abundance, and straight skirts with slits (side, front, back) also were plentiful. Reddish orange was prominent among the romantic colors that dominated the collections. With such tasteful offerings, fashion-conscious women should have no problem finding attire that expresses their femininity.

Carmen Marc Valvo designs two-piece skirt suit with four-pocket belted jacket with notched collar, belted at waist and long leather skirt. Accessorized with fedora hat with grograin ribbon band.

Three-piece suit by Bottega Veneta with high turtleneck sweater with matching fingerless gloves, one-button jacket and knee-length skirt. Accessorized with floppy felt hat.

Two-piece cashmere sweater set with large bold zigzag design on sleeveless turtleneck and long-sleeve, six-button cardigan, both worn over wrap leather skirt, by John Bartlett.

Donna Karan of New York designs long-sleeve sheer top with ribbed turtleneck, worn with wool pants and leather belt.

Deep V-neck, sleeveless top with wide cummerbund waist, fitted, knee-length front-slit skirt with gold-leaf embroidered design and matching gold ascot around neck, by Yigal Azrouel.

Strapless jersey top with crisscross-waist and below-the-knee wrap skirt, by Halston. Note: Matching choker.

Three-piece ensemble with zigzag design, sleeveless V-neck sweater, worn with thigh-high, side-slit skirt, by Michael Kors. Accessorized with matching turban, raccoon stole and rhinestone bracelet.

Nicole Miller designs spaghetti-strap, two-piece ensemble with shimmering abstract-design sequined top and low-waist solid shimmering satin pants with organza overlay.

Sleeveless, fitted deep V-neck halter jumpsuit with palazzo pant legs and long white sash tied to side, by Carolina Herrera.

Carmen Marc Valvo designs silk chiffon, all-over print halter-neck evening gown with shirred bodice and floor-length, bias cut skirt.

Long two-piece evening ensemble with panne velvet dress worn under wool coat with floral design, by Oscar de la Renta.