Swinging between classy and sassy for spring `91, Italian fashion designers seemed equally inspired by the cool elegance of Audrey Hepburn and the steamy sensuality of Madonna. And, while the `60s-flavored collections they produced might aptly be subtitled, ”The Lady and the Tramp,” there were surprisingly few dogs in sight.
In a town known for tailored sportswear, little, relatively ladylike, dresses provided the big news. Little is the operative word here, with `90s micro-lengths making `60s minis look modest by comparison. Nonetheless, the dress is back, in body-skimming ”Breakfast at Tiffany`s” shifts, neat A-lines, flirty trapeze looks, sexy halters and languid wrapped looks-sometimes shown with long matching jackets, bags and shoes for a ”Jackie O” ensemble look.
More Top Picks Work Sharp Precision Adjust
Taking another cue from the Love Generation, designers decided to color their world with blazing prints-Op-Art, Pop Art, graphics, flower power florals, stripes and polka dots-in splashy colors. Showing up on everything, they looked grooviest on the stretchy second-skin bodysuits and leggings that promise to be among the hottest items for spring.
The ”lady” can wear these under a long jacket, tunic sweater or billowy silk blouse. Those favoring the ”tramp” look will wear them with midriff-baring bras and bandeaux or skimpy, cheeky hotpants-the only element of the current `60s revival that tends to look more warmed-over than with-it.
Among the other spring fashion flashes from Italy:
Jackets: Long and soft and newest in a bright color.
Skirts: Riding somewhere above the knee-it`s up to you (they look snappiest-and office-ready-in a slim shape paired with a long jacket).
Pants: Slim and crisp look right under the long jackets; subtle, updated bellbottoms are for the adventurous. –