Ellis island: in Perry Ellis' new fall line, a Hollywood legend is brought back to life

Even though he died in 1976, Howard Hughes is enjoying a comeback this year. Leonardo DiCaprio is portraying the legendary Texas millionaire and film producer in The Aviator (directed by Martin Scorsese, coming out next month). And Hughes is also the inspiration for the new fall line by Perry Ellis.

The latest designs from this Miami-based label meld Hollywood glamour and business chic: crisp, colorful shirts, sleek suits, and rugged-soled, versatile shoes, (Accessory tip: The clothes look especially terrific if you've got your own private jet in the background.)

For the uninitiated. Perry Ellis is firmly based in classic American traditions. That means down-to-earth, classy pieces that can multitask as much as you can. Take these dark-rinse jeans, for example: Add a black turtleneck and you've gone from Friday boardroom badass to happy-hour hunk.

"The multifunctionality of the clothing is very important," says Jerry Kaye, creative director for Perry Ellis. "You can take a pair of trousers from a suit, remove the jacket, pair it with a different shirt or a sweater, and have a completely different look."

Now gas up that Lear jet and fly off to La-La land.

More info @ perryellis.com.

PERRY NICE

Scarf, $34; jacket, $85; button-down shirt, $40; underwear, $15; pants, $80; boots, $70

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