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A formal affair

Ebony, July, 2005 by Eunice W. Johnson

ALONG with summer's glorious weather comes the desire to get out of the house and have some fun. Sometimes that entertainment comes in the form of a glamorous affair or some other version of the summer soiree. When your social calendar calls for you to don a fancy gown and step out in style, you can be ready by taking inspiration from New York designers. When they showed their summer 2005 collections, designers in the USA fashion capital demonstrated that they are on top of their professional game by offering an exciting array of ball gowns and party dresses that will take you in style from the big charity event to that special luncheon. Oscar de la Renta and Fusha showed opulent taffeta and faille creations, while Carolina Herrera, Gustavo Arango and Stephen Burrows showed sleeker designs of silky fabrics. Among Zang Toi's offerings was a beaded, puff-sleeved white shirt that made a bold and beautiful statement. But most of the designers showed creations that bared the great female asset: the skin. There were plenty of plunging necklines, bare shoulders, sheer fabrics and sexy splits. With these designs in mind, you will have a summer soiree to remember.

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Strapless metallic silver gown has zip detail in front. By Donna Karan. Accessorized with large silver "tribal" necklace and silver sandals.

Fusha designs coral-peach silk faille ball gown with corset bodice and bronze hand-beaded silk mesh dolman sleeves. Accessorized with matching beaded handbag.

Stylish silver ensemble from Vivienne Tam features metallic plaid jacket sequined in a herringbone pattern, worn over complementary top with embroidered neckline, and crocheted metallic skirt worn over satin underskirt.

Bubble-bottom beaded silk peach cocktail dress has spaghetti straps, cummerbund at waist and is worn with a sweater jacket. By Tracy Reese.

Puff sleeves are again in fashion, as evident in Zang Toi's ensemble that pairs opulent triple-puff-sleeved blouse with floral beading and fitted black skirt with cascading bow streaming from cummerbund.

Bold black and white spaghetti-halter strap gown has twisted draped bodice and high front split. By Stephen Burrows. Accessorized with red satin shoes and silver necklace, cuff bracelet and striking earrings with suspended discs.

Peach-colored spaghetti-halter strap cocktail dress has plunging decolletage bodice accented with peach pearls over skirt with layers of ruffled tulle. By Rem Acra.

Gustavo Arango designed spaghetti-strapped silk chiffon empire gown with large hand-painted flower that wraps around dress.

Carolina Herrera's elegant chocolate column gown of shameeza fabric has bodice beaded in silver geometric pattern.

Oscar de la Renta lives up to his reputation with this dazzling ensemble that pairs a cream-colored, beaded lace top with ruffled neckline and ribbon belt with voluminous taffeta skirt that showcases 10 layers of ruffles.

Zang Toi's striking white gown has silk embroidered bra top with spaghetti straps to which is attached a form-fitting trumpet skirt with embroidered and fringed hemline.

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A formal affair

Ebony, July, 2005 by Eunice W. Johnson

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