The cat burglar's school of fashion

Interview, Sept, 2003 by Cleo Sullivan

ANY CAT BURGLAR WORTH HER SALT KNOWS THAT SOMETIMES THE BEST PLACE TO HIDE SOMETHING IS RIGHT BEFORE ONE'S EYES. THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN FASHION A SEASON AGO, WHEN MIUCCIA PRADA BOLDLY SENT OUT A COLLECTION IN WHICH ONE COULDN'T TELL WHERE THE THREADS ENDED AND THE JEWELS BEGAN. THIS CLEVER MOVE OPENED UP THE WAY FOR A NEW TREND HARKING BACK TO OTHER CENTURIES WHEN JEWELS EMBELLISHING GARMENTS WERE USED SO LIBERALLY THAT THEY ACTUALLY BECAME THE CLOTHES THEMSELVES. THIS FALL OTHER DESIGNERS HAVE ALSO MARRIED FASHION AND JEWELRY BY CONSPICUOUSLY INCORPORATING SEMIPRECIOUS STONES, PEARLS, AND OTHER IRRESISTIBLE BAUBLES INTO THE VERY ARCHITECTURE OF THEIR CLOTHES, INCREASING THE WEARER'S CHANCES OF DAZZLING HER COMPANIONS ... AND NEEDING A BODYGUARD.

This page: Gold chain-fringed babydoll dress by DOLCE & GABBANA. Sandals with green satin snap-on mice by BRUNO FRISONI. Opposite: Jeweled tunic by LOUIS VUITTON. Patent-leather pumps with snaps by BRUNO FRISONI.

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This page: Swarovksi crystal dress by ZAC POSEN. Girl shorts by W BY WONDERBRA. Silver heels with charms by CONSTANCA BASTO. Opposite: One-shoulder dress with silver insets by DONNA KARAN NEW YORK. Jeweled thong heels by GINA.

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This spread: Dress with jet-beaded patchwork by PRADA. Silk pumps with turquoise clips by JIMMY CHOO.

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This page: Jeweled halter dress by VALENTINO. Silver jewel-encrusted heels by CONSTANCA BASTO. Opposite: Black tunic with silver chains, black leggins, and jeweled Mary Janes by SONIA RYKIEL.

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This page: Black cashmere "Comete" sweater and black skirt by CHANEL. Black silk heels with rhinestones by JIMMY CHOO. Opposite: Stone-encrusted bib top, ruffled skirt, and crystalized lucite heels by TOM FORD FOR YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE.

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