THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410060078
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MONIQUE WILLIAMS, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
AS THE TEMPERATURES dip, few women can resist the appeal and warmth that knits provide.
With knits rising in popularity, more designers not traditionally associated with knits - such as Carole Little - have entered a field already occupied by some of the best.
Adrienne Vittadini, Joan Vass and Andrea Jovine are some of the best.
While their styles differ significantly - Vittadini is known for great sweater knits, Vass for casual, contemporary cotton knits and Jovine for slinky wool knits - these designers made their mark on knits long before everyone else.
``Knits are still my first love,'' says Vittadini, who has expanded from knits to wovens, ``because they are such a contemporary way of dressing.''
Vittadini's designs satisfy an American appetite for comfort while offering a soft European edge.
``I am appealing to a lifestyle,'' notes Vittadini, adding that her designs take a woman from the office to leisure time.
``There is a theme, a consistency, throughout all of my lines.''
Vittadini's offerings of sumptuous sweaters in muted colors such as oatmeal, teal and brick are all wrapped and layered one over the other. She pays attention to the neck with turtlenecks, cowl necks and scarves.
``The ecology and trend to global warming has really influenced my work,'' she says, ``I'm designing more seasonless clothes that are layered for warmth.''
Joan Vass' designs for fall are graphic, modern and feature a medieval motif that runs throughout her collection. Heraldic crosses decorate turtlenecks, and passages from the Gutenberg Bible inscribe sleeves and tunics.
Vass' past as an artist is reflected in the clarity and boldness of her designs. While her silhouettes remain simple, her strength lies in the contemporary feel of her collection.
Jovine says she is passionate about knitwear. Knits, she says, ``are a way of life, not a trend.''
What distinguishes her from both Vittadini and Vass is her stylish figure-flattering knits. Her long skirts and hour-glass tops are made for the woman who is not afraid of showing her curves.
There is little doubt that her favorite color is black, and she's added more glamour to her knits by adding beads and sequins to the neckline and sleeves of her most becoming tops.
This season, she's also ventured to include jumpers and A-line dresses that can camouflage figure flaws.
``Most women don't have pencil-thin, model-type bodies,'' she says, adding, ``I design for the realities of a woman's life and lifestyle. Getting dressed should not be work.
``Clothes,'' she adds, ``have to work with you, not against you. That's why I concentrate on knits. They are easy, chic and comfortable, and they travel very well.''
Adrienne Vittadini and Joan Vass collections can be found at Levy's in Virginia Beach. Andrea Jovine's collection can be found at Sidney's in Virginia Beach. ILLUSTRATION: JOAN VASS USA
All the sweaters in the Joan Vass USA collection are modern with a
medieval twist. Shown here is the Pax Stripe cropped pullover.
by CNB