What's hot in 2003

Bring in the colors this spring as 2003 promises fun and more flirtatious fashion!

It is no surprise that the cool season’s somber colors will be put to test (at least for now) and spring’s blast of colors will spread far and wide until summer’s hot, humid but happy days! Yup, happy, whimsical and positive vibe is this season’s key look. Take for example Louis Vuitton‘s Spring/Summer 2003 multi-colored monogram bags (with cherry and eyeball prints, very cute!) by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. They will definitely become collector’s items just like Louis Vuitton’s graffiti design bag by Stephen Sprouse. The bags give a fun twist to ’50s-inspired dresses. There’s also John Galliano’s explosion of colorful, fantasy-like kimonos.

Mind you–even designer Muccia Prada (who usually does the opposite of what most designers do), jumps into the colorful, Oriental bandwagon with cheongsam tops perfect for newly-purchased distressed denim jeans!

And of course, the team-up of designer Yohji Yamamoto and sportswear giant Adidas sets a fresh direction for fashion. It answers the need of the growing market of sports enthusiasts, yoga fanatics and the general public for fashionable sportswear and rubber shoes.

Fashion goes to great lengths this season–literally! Skirts, dresses and pants are hot, hot, hot not just for long-legged women but women of all shapes and sizes. If mini-skirts are not for you, knee-length skirts are definitely the answer!

This time, creamy hues of soft chiffon dresses and skirts with tattered hem give a twist to gowns and evening wear.

Catch the summer lights with metallic hued stilettos and skirts. But this time, sparkly fabrics are not only for evening wear–you can shine from daytime to nighttime. Just make sure to dress down with cotton tees or denim minis.

That’s only the beginning, girls–a preview of fun and sexy clothes and accessories to look forward to in 2003!

Have a rockin’ New Year everyone!

What’s hot

Look
• Sporty
• Oriental
• Military
• Swinging ’50s
• ’60s mood
• Romantic

Skirts and Dresses
• Mini skirts
• Cheongsam
• Kimonos
• Slinky rainbow-hued dresses
• Cream-hued chiffon dresses
• Knee-length skirts and dresses
• Wrap-around and tie-front dresses
• Overlapping skirts

Tops, Blouses and Jackets
• Colorful satin blouses
• Mandarin collared tops
• Tight sport shirts
• Lace tops
• Iridescent and metallic tops
• Cropped jackets and blazers
• Athletic jackets in vintage style

Pants and Shorts
• Cropped pants
• Cargo pants
• Slim fit jeans
• Track pants
• Hot pants

Shoes, Bags and Accessories
• Peep-toed shoes
• Silver hue sling backs
• Chunky heels
• Fruity-colored sandals
• Round-toed shoes
• Designer and athletic rubber shoes
• Woven bags
• Graphic design bags
• Colorful totes
• Gym style bags
• Cuffs
• Precious and semi-precious colored stone jewelry
• Floral print and brocade bags
• Bottom temple sunglasses

Fabrics
• Polka dot prints
• Cherry prints
• Floral prints and embroidery
• Kimono print
• Brocade
• Metal mesh
• Khakis
• Satin
• Jersey
• Cotton
• Chiffon
• Denim

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(Thanks for all your e-mails, suggestions and for taking an interest in my column. There were times when I would put off my column because I’ve been busy with other businesses but your letters have inspired me to try to take photos of clothes and write my column every Sunday. And to my Allure family, thanks for your patience and support and for hounding me–ha! ha! ha!–with deadlines!)