Sizzling summer sensations - Ebony Fashion Fair

Ebony, July, 2002 by Eunice W. Johnson

Warm weather has arrived, so catch up with the fashion happenings and plan your party wardrobe so you will be sensational at the summer soirees. With inspiration from world-renowned designers, you have much from which to choose. Shimmering chiffon is always a great choice, and some feel that the more layers the better. In fact, layering continues to be the craze, with chiffon caftans layered over long column dresses as well as mini tube dresses, and tunics layered over skirts and pants. Halter and decolletage necklines are favored, while ruffles and lace (at necklines, on sleeves and as belts) give a romantic air. Fabrics range from silky sheers to hand-painted to antique silk and heavier cottons. And dazzling hats and layered belts are the must-have accessories. Add sizzle to your social calendar with sensational summer cocktail attire.

Elegance flows with Migual Androver's breezy ankle-length ensemble of black silk chiffon caftan layered over form-fitting, two-tone orange column gown with deep V-neckline and handkerchief hemline. Note: black sandals.

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Raspberry tunic with white crisscross halter-neck and crocheted trim on asymmetrical hemline, worn over long white skirt with lace accents, by Liz Collins.

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Left: Strut into summer's most talked-about soiree in Donna Karan's ensemble of sheer white caftan with hand-painted splashes of pink and orange worn over white mini tube dress. Note: Abstract metal bracelet.

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Right: Make a bold statement in late summer in Miguel Androver's long-sleeved, A-line gown with desert horizon print.

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Right: Shimmering blue, knee-length, Victorian-inspired cocktail dress has yellow ruffle and bows accenting decollete portrait neckline and elbow-length sleeves, by Mark Montana. Accessorized with attention-stealing straw hat adorned with blue and yellow accents and peacock feathers.

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Above: Make fashionable transition from late summer to rail in blue ensemble of long-sleeved, front-button jacket with Nehru collar worn over long, full striped skirt, all pulled together with a striped scarf. By Miguel Androver.

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Above, center: Accessories deliver pizzazz in Oscar de la Renta's ensemble of blue-white-salmon print, collared, raglan halter sundress with matching big floppy hat. Note: Waist adorned with fashionably layered wrap belt.

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Far Left: Stunning oversized floral motif demands attention in Bill Blass' ankle-length, T-strap column dress with low scooped neckline and high side split.

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Left: Earthy ensemble of gold antique lace-look features peasant-inspired skirt with black lace horizontal bands and cap-sleeved top with shoulder brooches, tied together with black and antique gold lace scarf belt, by Mark Montana.

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Right: Lilac and salmon-colored peasant ensemble has lilac shirred neckline, arm bands and waist, as well as lilac underskirt, by Heatherette. Note: Accented with large multicolored flower.

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Right: Color up the summer party scene in red and yellow ensemble from Mark Montana that pairs long-sleeved, red tunic with layers of sheer yellow ruffle on lacy bodice and shoulders, worn over red and yellow miniskirt with bold geometric-stripe design. Accessorized with multilayered yellow and red ruffled belt.

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Right: Show off your body in Chompol Serimond's shoulder-knotted handkerchief minidress of aqua blue, purple and lilac candy stripes.

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