THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 12, 1996 TAG: 9609110111
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 58 lines
Fall. A turning point, when fashion changes in colorful and graphic ways.
Unlike any other time of year, autumn promises a myriad of heavy weights in preparation for the change in climate. So we ready ourselves for the shift in the way things feel.
Chenille seems more velvety, boucle looks more nubby, leather feels more buttery and plaid has more vibrant coloration than ever.
These are the signals of change. And there is more.
Proportionally speaking, fashion has never looked thinner. This is the year of The Long and Lean.
The jacket is the ultimate slenderizing element. No more big, padded shoulders and full-bodied cuts. We are talking narrow.
Shoulders, though smaller, still offer adequate movement and drape. Collar and lapels run a sleek line.
Texture-wise, pinstripe, herringbone, houndstooth, animal print and leather trimmed wools are perennial favorites. Lengths will be longer, maybe even extend to mid-calf. Expect cuts to be angular and detailing to have a modern look.
As for trousers, most are designed to run straight and narrow, just grazing the top of the shoe to add visual length.
The newest pant is the bootleg. It starts at the hip and hugs tight to the knees, then flares slightly to the ankle. This cut, worn with stacked or chunky heels, guarantees feeling at least two feet taller.
The slim silhouette will be found in skirts as well, be they mid-calf length or short.
Skirts in leather and suede make a strong statement, as do knits if cut long and narrow. Stick with solid fabrics and diminutive prints. Choosing tights with texture will add graphic design.
In shirts and other tops, fabric coloration gets rowdy this fall.
Geometric patterns make playful statements, relying frequently on the '70s for inspiration. Shiny fabrics, velvet, velour, corduroy and satin are shirt fabrics that add depth under a jacket and textural interest on their own. Knit turtlenecks and cardigans ars must-haves.
As a footnote, shoes will stack up well to all of this linear dressing. Feature attractions include a heavy heel that is chunky and solid, with toe options rounded or square. Horse-bit ornaments offer a sporty look, with patent leather and suede reserved for dressier suiting. MEMO: CREDITS: Fashion Coordination and Styling: Kim Wadsworth for
Wadsworth Style; Fashion Assistant: Michelle Reyes; Hair Design and
Make-up: Impressions Hair Design, Norfolk; Models: Ellen Story Chase
and Lola Hartshorn courtesy of Glamour Modeling and Talent Ltd.; Janie
Fridley and Tina Nash courtesy of Stevenson's Modeling Agency; Kristin
Ryals, freelance. Locations: Virginia Beach Center for the Arts, Art
Works Gallery in Norfolk ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
LAWRENCE JACKSON/The Virginian-Pilot by CNB