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Spring Fashion 2004 Fall 2003

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Metrofashion Magazine - 21st Century Fashion

Fall / Winter 2003-2004 Fashion - Button Up or Tie Me Down

"We're outta here." Fall 2003 fashion proclaims the end of reflection and the time to suit up and go. Layers are in; updated jackets are substantial and detailed. Narciso Rodriquez shows slick black and white trenchcoats inspired by motocross looks; Trussardi goes the other way with rust and copper leather trenches with lace up fireman boots. Both share the message of Fall 2003 fashion designers - the urban creature has mused for long enough.

Not that she's any less female. Laura Biagiotti shows knit creations in cable white and dark blue that caress and comfort, with beading and trim in purple and olive. Emmanul Ungaro sends forth his tundra warriors with lilac impressions; Fendi presents space-age walking jackets with the illusion of polypropylene and the very real luxury of satin. Anna Molinari presents shimmery mini skirts with pleated horizontal satin bordering. Dirk Bikkemberg presents sassy satin shirts for the updated wardrobe with fancy knits and asymmetric zippered riding tops (still emphasizing the legs but with dark tights).

The drama heightens when the coat comes off - designer collections enhance the ribbon dress with panels and lace bordering. Corseted evening gowns reveal the Fall 2003 underworld, where contemporary influences give way to bordello styles reinterpreted in latex for a sportswear-obsessed culture.

Fall / Winter 2003-2004 Trend Highlights...
Japanese culture, extreme sportswear detailing, chokers and chandelier earrings, full-length gowns, strings and straps, Las Vegas nightlife, black & white, color block, ladies who lunch...

Photography ©Metrofashion where marked. Some photos copyright and courtesy of Nataya Designs, Balenciaga, Soye, Trussardi, Passerella. See designer website for more information. Underworld movie photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

Fall/Winter 2003/04 - Jackets & Coats
Warm up to cable knit sweater coats, moto jackets and belted winter coats

Trenchcoats are hot this fall and winter season, transforming from summer's lightweight silks and rayons to season appropriate heavy weights like wool, cotton, and synthetic blends. Color is toned down, with signature palettes in greys, ochres, and browns. An indispensable fall fashion item is the fitted canvas twill cargo blazer, in a range of subdued neutral colors. Another key look is a cropped cable knit hoodie cardigan, layered under a jean jacket. Accent colors add dash to cargo blazers with dusty pastels and sparks of bright color.

Narciso Rodriguez sixties-inspired mod wool winter coats are more tailored to the body and offer a perfect space age lift-off to Marc Jacobs spring collection. Classic denim jackets and pea coats also continue to dominate, especially with fur trimmed collars for colder weather. Streetwear windbreakers and zip up jackets find a home in ski chalet chic. Other Arctic influences include Scandinavian embroidery on suede and fleece winter coats, embellished with Eskimo-like natural shell and wood toggle buttons.

The 1980's trend continues with layered knit blazers and cashmere sweaters which pair well with mini-skirts. Michael Kors fur lined wool car coat with belted waist is perfect for the work week, while his distressed leather jacket with jewel neckline and 80's punk metal hardware is pure weekend rebellion. The motocross look is a hip and polished trend in outerwear this fall/winter season, with the cross stiching, graphic abstracts, and tailored lines of the raceways.

Fit to a Tea - Fall/Winter 2003/04
Short dresses reinterpreted by the designers

Traditionally more informal, short dresses are now sneaking past the doorman of many formal events. And why not, considering the lush fabrics and intricate detailing favored by today's fit and toned women. Nicole Miller's knee-length black silk gown with antique gold has a plunging v-neck and an exiting swish that rivals floor skimming gowns. Her shiny crinkle wine taffeta pleated bustier mini-dress reaches to mid-thigh and should be a staple for every Nicole Miller aficionado.

Jessica McClintock's short dresses in heavy satin with underlays of crinoline and tulle, some going to thigh lengths, have a winter skating wonderland appeal. Classic tea length frocks with ruched bodices and aspirin dotted lace get a little extra fullness with a crinoline underskirt. Topped off at the waist with a rose corsage and ribbon, these short Jessica McClintock dresses are reminiscent of retro 1950's, but in softer fabrics and leaner cuts. Her tea length dresses range from ankle to mid-calf. A three-quarter cashmere cardigan and a little satin handbag is all you'll need to complete the look of the season.

Los Angeles designer Ana Capri's light hearted circle skirts of cotton with embroidered roses peekaboo with linings of wispy tulle in contrasting colors. Knee-length skirts call for some serious footplay: wear with beaded sandals or flip flops, California style, or dress it up with some ultra high heel Mary Janes, ala New York.

For the romantic, BCBG Max Azria's under-the-knee to mid-calf designs are dreamy in lingerie-inspired stylings and adornments. Silk charmeuse knee length dresses highlight sensuous lace bodice trimmings. BCBG's mid thigh mini-dresses with softly ruffled hemlines in silk chiffon prints look divine when matched with short daywear trenchcoats.

For workday into evening, Calvin Klein has a subdued palette of knee length skirts and mid-calf tailored suits in wines, olives, and basic black, in easy garbadine wool and blends. As always with short dresses, elongate the legs with complimentary colored hose and a stunning pair of high heels.

Los Angeles Fashion : Renée Bardot
In Renée Bardot's birthplace of Frankfurt, Germany, her destiny was shaped at an early age as a primary fashion leader. Simply, she played dress-up with fabric scraps in her father's leather clothing company. It was in this arena, Renée would create elaborate gowns and costumes by draping chiffon or other discarded fabric over her five-year old frame. Renée's father had taken notice of his design protégé and began to teach her everything there was to learn about the hand-sewn coats, pants and jackets he sold and distributed throughout Germany in the late sixties.

Aware of her talent, her father took the pre-teen Renée under his tutelage, apprenticing the budding designer. Renée's father was a haute couture sewer and he passed the generations-old art of creating clothing down. By twenty was selling her designs to fashion forward stores.

Renée moved to Amsterdam were she honed her business skills and opened her first store, Jezebel. She then worked as an assistant to the late designer C. Gordon. Nationally known in Germany, C. Gordon - along with his peers, Karl Lagerfeld, Wolfgang Joop, Uta Raasch and Iris von Arnim were part of the burgeoning German cultural Renaissance. Gordon's mastery of draping and European pattern-making greatly influenced Renée and her designing skills took on whole new artistic bent. read more...

FASHION FEATURE: 2003 EMMY AWARDS (55th ANNUAL)
Emmys Fashion 2003... Many of the stars at the 55th Emmy's awards show took their style queues from the color palettes of the New York Spring 2004 fashion shows. The front rows glowed in evening gowns of sunset hues like fuschia, mango, pinks, and blues. Creamy neutrals also shined on award nominees Lena Olin and Jennifer Garner of Alias, both exquisite in ivory and pale peach satin dresses.

Presenter Jeri Ryan made a dramatic entrance in her revealing silk charmeuse evening gown of silvery cream with deep v-neck plunge. Plunging v-neck gowns, popular last year, were back again along with a new evening trend towards dropped waists. Dropped waist dresses accented the figures of Christina Applegate, in a pale blue pleated chiffon formal dress by Valentino, and Courtney Thorne Smith, in a classic Herve Leger elongated crystal tiered black dress. Sarah Jessica Parker color-matched with husband Matthew Broderick's dusty rose tie as she stunned the Emmy audience in a pink Chanel confection of a ballgown. Ruched and gathered in chiffon, tulle, and sequins, the gown had a subdued high/low hemline, showcasing her famous feet.

Debra Messing claimed her Emmy award clad in an Elie Saab evening ball gown with sweeping back train, Jimmy Choo heels, Cartier ring, and H. Stern chandelier earrings. Strapless and gathered at the side, the amber and copper design of the dress perfectly framed her winning smile. Notable fashion marks for the men went to winner Jon Stewart's trim black suit and subtly sparkling black tie and Joe Pantoliano's vest and tie in light blue satin with white polka dots. Gorgeous gowns and tuxedos abounded, but this year's fashion focus at the Emmy's was all ears: dripping chandelier earrings in precious jewels. Best chandelier earring styles included Debra Messing's triple-tiered pink tourmaline teardrops and Jane Kaczmarek gold arabesque shoulder dusters.

Metrofashion Magazine - fashion events news information search fashion shows celebrity fashion

Chirstina Applegate, 2003 Emmys
(Click here for more fashion sketches)

2003 EMMY WINNERS

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, Monk

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, The Sopranos

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Debra Messing as Grace, Will & Grace

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano, The Sopranos

Outstanding Comedy Series
Everybody Loves Raymond

Outstanding Drama Series
The West Wing

Spring Fashion / Formal Dresses 2003
Dreaming of June...
Look for corsets and organza in 2003 formal dresses.
Classic white formal fashions are back in 2003, along with pretty new Chanel interpretations in black and pink. Beaded satin blends traditional elegance with modern latino influences. Corsets are a new twist, bringing back the feminine fiqure and providing a backdrop for intricate brocades and embellished beadwork. While much of America is discussing politics and the economy, some are simply dreaming of April and June... spectacular prom gowns and beautiful wedding dresses.

Oscars® 2003 Actresses show Contemporary Class
Oscars® 2003... The 75th Academy Awards® from Hollywood Black, white, gold, and basic reds and blushes characterized the somber Oscars® 2003 event. Steve Martin's dry humor provided some relief to an otherwise awkward mood, while the highlight of the evening was a touching anniversary video profile of previous Oscars® winners going back 70 years. Salma Hayek was charming in a simple black lace sleeveless blouse (see fashion sketch) with white satin a-line skirt. Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for her role in The Hours, as she appeared stunningly dressed in a black gown with fabric flairs. Renee Zellweger was brilliant in a red two piece dress with sheer spaghetti strap top and flowing chiffon train. Queen Latifa donned satin and lace in silverish blue in what looked to be the most contemporary gown design at the Academy Awards® evening. Jennifer Garner and Marcia Gay Harden continued their trend-setting ways, Garner in a romantic prom-savvy beaded ivory dress with cyan undertones and Gay Harden is a smart turquoise wrap dress with a shoulder fabric salute. One of our favorites was a tea-length black and pink checkered party dress worn by Ana Claudia Talanco; definitely on the formal fashion pulse of Spring 2003.

Salma Hayek from Oscars® 2003
(Click here to see more fashion sketches...)

WINNERS
Best Motion Picture Chicago, Martin Richards	Best Leading Actor Adrien Brody, The Pianist
Best Cinematography Road to Perdition, Conrad L. Hall	Best Leading Actress Nicole Kidman, The Hours
Best Writing - Adapted The Pianist , Ronald Harwood	Best Supporting Actor Cris Cooper, Adaptation
Best Writing - Original Talk to Her, Pedro Almodóvar	Best Supporting Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago
Best Film Editing Chicago, Martin Walsh	Best Director Roman Polanski, The Pianist

Metrofashion Magazine - 21st Century Fashion
The fashion world like other modern cultural communities was forever changed on September 11, 2001, with the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The transformation of Western society from the extravance of the 1990s to the new sobriety of 2002 ushered in the dominant themes of 21st Century Fashion, namely New Family Values, Smart and Chic Public Life, and Science Fiction Sleek. Metrofashion, like other fashion magazines, was talking about these changes even before 9/11, and the event served to accelerate the trends. Read more about these trends in the Fall 2001 fashion report:
New Family Values Realignment of existing institutions occurred as well. The aftershocks of September 11th resulted in a reaffirmation of family values in America, albeit new "family" units. Family once defined as two parents, two kids, and the pet, was now frozen as two, three, or more committed as soulmates irrespective of gender, race, or sexual preference...
Smart, chic public life. In our flight from the falling steel morass and our subsequent emotional outpouring in the media, we are chic. Smartly dressed, well-spoken, even fashion-aware as evidenced by Barry Bonds' wife during Bonds' record-breaking baseball season. Our politicians, law enforcement and justice representatives, servicemen, and investigative reporters, are ship-shape and wrinkle-free, clad in microfiber, pique cotton, and suede. Coming at us from New York, Washington, London, Pakistan, ...
Science Fiction Sleek With the passing of the Age of Innocence we also see the passing of the age of Victorian fashion excess. In its place, the surprising rise of science fiction themes has been institutionalized by the ever-present media images of firemen in space-age uniforms, bio-scientists combing white-collar office places, and regular citizens pocketing and brandishing cell phones, camcorders, and wired clothing

Metrofashion Fall & Winter 2002-2003 - American Classic
Fall/Winter 2002-03 Fashion - American Luster and Lace

The Fall/Winter Collections of 2002-03 represent the first fashion collections created since the tragic events of last September 11, and they encompass significant changes in design, textures, and above all, color. Fashion designers struggled with the very meaning of fashion as they developed their fall collections. The outcome of their musings influence us on a very personal level; we'll walk, work, love and live in these clothes. As they make their way from the catwalk to our wardrobes, there is a strong sense of connectivity: from tragedy and introspection to renewed creative purpose. The fall fashion trends acknowledge the country's solidarity and spirit in ways that past collections never have. The three major fashion trends this season:

Romantic Rhapsody
The boho looks of spring and summer have solidified into the more elegant rendition of romantic rhapsody in muted satins and softly layered chiffons. Tender peasant blouses are still the rage, updated with additional embellishments of velvet ribbons, beads and leather detailing. Blumarine Fall 2002 is a good example. The romantic woman has plenty to choose from in the fall/winter Blumarine fashion collection. Make room in your closet for vintage-inspired streetwear, folkloric daywear, flapper-esque cocktail dresses, and ruffled and flowing evening gowns in dark purples, corals, and mineral blue. Fashion designer Beccaria dances the romantic rhapsody in ample layers of subtly printed chiffon gowns and train length satin dresses. Fall and winter tones are soft ivory, cream, and frothy blues, heightened with cherry pinks and dusty lilacs. This season's fixation is winter white and Beccaria easily captures the sweet side of the winter palette with milky, kitten-soft sweater coats and ivory brocade jackets. The waistline is emphasized with empire satin sashes, thin leather cord belts, and torso elongating flapper dresses worn over boot cut pants.

Luster and Lace
What's a metro girl without a little vamp and tramp? Knee-length pencil skirts and corset tops make the perfect entrance into fall and winter fashion territory. Black matte fabrics and lace are the choices here - the focal point should be your new Gucci cross necklace. Metallic fabrics shimmer and illuminate the skin and hair and make a festive statement at special occasions. For everyday, try small splashes of liquid gold and gun metal silver in the form of beaded scarves, metal-mesh handbags, or laden shoes.

American Classic
Classic simplicity is a hallmark of American fashion, and in the Fall/Winter 02-03 season it's a veritable tour de force. Major runway trends include winter whites and soft neutral palettes in deep browns and camels, sparked up with textural croc, faux fur, leather, and chunky, marled knits. Dark reds and deep blue-greys round out the palette of the season. Look for rich burgundies and navy tones in evening gowns and formal wear, as well as shearling and fur coats. Not only are these colors conducive to the nesting mentality so prevalent today, they are a nod to our patriotic heritage. The classic weekend staple? A crisp white shirt, a slim cut vest, and a boxy sweater paired with high waist denim jeans (yes, they're staging a comeback) and lace up leather heeled boots. The Gianfranco Ferré collection captures the Fall 2002 fashion trends with its burnt caramel pencil skirts and ruched leather tops, off-shoulder little black dresses, and eclectic crocheted and knitted evening gowns. The modern business woman power lunches in the designer's gabardine cinched high-waisted pants in winter shades of ombre gray and matte black. After a long day at the boardroom, she's warmly dressed for a ferry ride across the bay in Ferré's nostalgic winter coat, with lapels flared wide in post W.W.II fashion.

What's Hot? Fall & Winter 2002-2003
New York Fashion Shows from Bryant Park, 54th Annual Emmy Awards - Emmys fashion; Fashion Week of the Americas in Miami with top Latin American and Caribbean fashion designers; Hong Kong Fashion Week; Melbourne Fashion Festival and designers from RMIT University. Magic Las Vegas and the WWDMagic tradeshow; Turkish Ready to Wear brands; Paris Fashion Week from modeaparis.com; Academy of Art fashion in San Francisco; Florida State Department of Textiles; Kent State University School of Fashion Design and Merchandising; Ultrasuede® from Toray Industries; Tiger Button for urea, polyester, metal buttons and accessories; Baum-Essex designer handbags and consumer products; Saxon Textile for poplin, twill, duck, and nylon fabrics; fashion house of Byblos (Genny); Claire Pettibone couture, and Sloan Boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Toronto Fashion Week, sponsored by Fashion Design Council of Canada and L'Oréal Professionnel, with fashion designers Catherine Yolles, Eryn Reid, and more; Nina Designs (couture, bridal) of Toronto, Canada. Bridal styles in Formalwear, Summer bridal event designs - sweetheart pearl dress, latest fashion sketches, including depictions of Blumarine sheer and Balenciaga corset - Register for Metrofashion User ID, login to the Fashion Workbench; D Magazine from Dallas, Valentines thoughts from Bonjour Paris online; OfficielNews.com (french), Luxury websites, Fashion jewelry ; Supermodel Elsa Benitez in SI Swimsuit 2001.

Metrofashion Advertising Fashion Feature : Fashion Promotes New Hygiene Products
Wrigley to Eclipse Competition with Fresh Breath in a Flash

September 2002 (Newstream) -- Consumers across the country have a great tasting breath freshening alternative with Eclipse Flash Strips®, the newest entry into the projected $300 million* breath strip category and the first non-chewing gum product to be released under the Wrigley banner in the 111-year history of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE: WWY).

Portable and discreet, new Eclipse Flash Strips are available in cinnamon and peppermint flavors (stay tuned for spearmint in January 2003) at a suggested retail price of $1.49 (24 strips). In head-to-head taste tests, Eclipse Flash Strips held the taste advantage, as they were significantly preferred over competitors. But Eclipse Flash Strips are more than just great tasting - the convenient strips instantly deliver fresh breath for the discriminating, time-starved consumer. Whether at school, work, home or play, the powerfully great taste of Eclipse Flash Strips immediately invigorates your breath - anytime, anywhere.

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company will kick off the launch of Eclipse Flash Strips with "Beyond Breath," a more than $50 million integrated-marketing campaign, which includes:

Television, print and out-of-home advertising featuring actress Thora Birch and music artist Res;
Celebrity seeding program to place Eclipse Flash Strips into the hands (and mouths) of Hollywood's hottest stars;
Partnership with Gen Art, a leading non-profit arts organization, to offer grants to emerging artists; and
Widespread sampling to drive awareness and trial of Eclipse Flash Strips, including a partnership with United Airlines for distribution on all domestic flights.

"With this exciting multi-faceted campaign, we're confident that Flash Strips will build on the Eclipse brand's already significant equity, making it Wrigley's first ever cross-category mega brand," remarked Kathryn Olson, vice president U.S. consumer marketing, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. "With both breath strip and gum offerings, we are positioning the Eclipse brand to be a market leader in the confections breath freshening category."

Advertising

When your breath isn't fresh, you're aware of it. It nags at you. You're self-conscious about it. The idea behind the campaign for new Eclipse Flash Strips is that when you eliminate what's on your breath, you are free to focus on your aspirational interests: Your work, your life and your dreams.

Partnerships, Celebrity Seeding, Sampling

In celebration and support of the creative arts, Eclipse Flash Strips will partner with Gen Art to award up to $60,000 in "Eclipse Flash: Fresh Talent Grants." A panel of celebrity judges, including Thora Birch, Res and performance artists The Art Guys, will award grants to finalists selected through Gen Art-juried shows including: Emergence 2003 (visual arts), Styles 2003 (fashion), the Gen Art Film Festival and a DJ search.

"Gen Art is very excited about Eclipse Flash Strips' commitment to emerging talent and to our 2003 programs," said Ian Gerard, executive director and founder of Gen Art. "In addition to funding these important initiatives, Eclipse Flash is directly supporting the creative endeavors of the next generation of talent through the Fresh Talent grants."

Eclipse Flash Strips are popping up at production sets, Hollywood parties and award shows like the Primetime Emmys where actors such as Bradley Whitford (West Wing), Jennifer Garner (Alias) and Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show) received Eclipse Flash Strips as part of a "Red Carpet Survival Kit."

Shannon Elizabeth of American Pie fame and her husband Joe Reitman exclaimed, "That's the bomb," when they tasted the cinnamon Eclipse Flash Strips. Carmen Electra (Scary Movie) enthused, "Eclipse Flash taste much better (than Listerine PocketPaks) - they have a great flavor."

Many celebrities already have requested a year's supply, including: Martin Sheen (West Wing), Shannon Elizabeth, Eva Amurri (Susan Sarandon's daughter and co-star in The Banger Sisters), Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, pro-skateboard sensation Tony Hawk, Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk), Randy Jackson (American Idol), and Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

To enhance the Eclipse Flash Strips hand-to-hand sampling program, The Art Guys will design a unique approach to product distribution. Street performers in select markets will don sculptured costumes incorporating the red and blue Eclipse Flash forms to deliver product samples via scenarios and vignettes as conceived by The Art Guys.

About the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of chewing gum and a recognized leader in the confectionery business, with global sales of nearly $2.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.Wrigley.com.

*Based on current IRI trends

Metrofashion Valentines Feature : Gourmet Valentine Foods
The Way to the Heart is Through the Stomach (with Gourmet Food)

January 2003 (Newstream) -- Roses are passé; People are choosing Valentine's Day gifts that are new, unique to show their love.

GourmetFoodMall (www.gourmetfoodmall.com) has unique Valentine's Day offerings:

Peppadew Truffles: rich, creamy chocolate-flavored truffle fillings blended with a puree of sweet, tangy, spicy Peppadew pepper-the first new fruit discovery since the kiwi 26 years ago. Peppadews are a new and unique fruit from South Africa.
French Champagne Cognac Chocolates: chocolates with a fine quality French champagne cognac embedded in the middle. No one else in the country creates liquid center chocolates using this European confectionery art form.
Deluxe Backpack for Two: a romantic picnic wrapped with a bow. This deluxe backpack includes everything a Valentine needs: an insulated food compartment; a detachable, insulated wine pouch; plates; wine glasses; utensils; corkscrew; cutting board; cheese knife; salt and pepper shakers and napkins. Valentines can even fill the food compartment with the site's extensive gourmet food selection.
Trufflecots: jumbo Australian glazed apricots with a bittersweet truffle center covered in dark, imported chocolate. These are addictive apricots.

And, how this year's Valentine's shoppers can get these items is new, too. And for those whose shopping techniques need some refining, GourmetFoodMall has hand picked more than 100 of the best gifts to offer this Valentine season. From sinful chocolates to great kitchen gadgets, shoppers will find all they need in the GourmetFoodMall Valentine Day Gift Finder.

Metrofashion Teen Feature : American Idol™ Signature Fashion
JAKKS Pacific Signs License for American Idol^TM

January 2003 (Newstream) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: JAKK) announced that the Company has signed a multi-category licensing agreement with FremantleMedia for American Idol^TM.

JAKKS Pacific's Flying Colors® division will launch a full line of fashion and beauty accessories in Spring 2003. A line of American Idol branded stationery including portfolios, binders and writing instruments for back-to-school 2003 will follow. The fashion and beauty accessories, targeted to "tweens," are scheduled to launch in January 2003 to coincide with the launch of the second season of American Idol. Under this new license, the Flying Colors line will feature cosmetics, hair accessories, fashion activity, body art and stationery products.

American Idol is a music reality program that empowers viewers to discover America's next solo superstar. During the show, competing hopefuls perform their favorite songs for a panel of expert industry judges - Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson -- and for the home voting audience. America votes weekly for their favorite performers, eventually narrowing down the competition to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the "American Idol" title. The second season begins with a two-part premiere Tuesday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 22 (8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

"As one of the hottest reality shows on television, American Idol is well positioned for success at retail," said Jennifer Richmond, Vice President of Licensing, JAKKS Pacific. "With young people across the nation aspiring to be super stars, we think American Idol's young fans will be excited to emulate the glamorous look of the show and its contestants at home."

FremantleMedia, formerly known as Pearson Television, is one of the largest international producers of entertainment and drama programs in the world, producing more than 260 programs in over 39 countries. FremantleMedia's international distribution division distributes 19,000 hours of programs to 150 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is the content business production arm of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, with interests in 23 television channels and 14 radio stations in nine European countries. RTL Group is part of Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's major media markets.

American Idol^TM 19 TV Ltd and FremantleMedia Operations BV. Based on the TV program 'American Idol - The Search for a Superstar' produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 TV Ltd. Licensing by Fremantle Brand Licensing.

19 Entertainment, founded by Simon Fuller, is the creator of "Pop Idol," the format on which "American Idol" is based. 19 is known for many leading music artists, such as Annie Lennox, the Spice Girls and S Club, and whose activities encompass movies, TV, video/DVD, internet and commercial relationships - see www.19.co.uk.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush and Dolls. The products are sold under various brand names including Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Remco® Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle® Laser Challenge^TM and Go Fly a Kite^TM. The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment(tm) video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.

Contacts: Genna Goldberg, JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

What's Hot? Spring & Summer 2002
Fashion Week of the Americas in Miami with top Latin American and Caribbean fashion designers; Hong Kong Fashion Week; Melbourne Fashion Festival and designers from RMIT University. Paris Fashion Week from modeaparis.com; Academy of Art fashion in San Francisco; Florida State Department of Textiles; Kent State University School of Fashion Design and Merchandising; Ultrasuede® from Toray Industries; Tiger Button for urea, polyester, metal buttons and accessories; Baum-Essex designer handbags and consumer products; Saxon Textile for poplin, twill, duck, and nylon fabrics; fashion house of Byblos (Genny); Claire Pettibone couture, and Sloan Boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Toronto Fashion Week, sponsored by Fashion Design Council of Canada and L'Oréal Professionnel, with fashion designers Catherine Yolles, Eryn Reid, and more; Nina Designs (couture, bridal) of Toronto, Canada. Bridal styles in Formalwear, Summer bridal event designs - sweetheart pearl dress, latest fashion sketches, including depictions of Blumarine sheer and Balenciaga corset - Register for Metrofashion User ID, login to the Fashion Workbench; D Magazine from Dallas, Valentines thoughts from Bonjour Paris online; OfficielNews.com (french), Luxury websites, Fashion jewelry ; Elsa Benitez in SI Swimsuit 2001.

Metrofashion Fall 2001 Fashion - Modern Reality

The New (1990s) Rules Don't Apply - Watching the movie Serendipity (©2001 Miramax Films) in October of 2001 is like watching a home video of a story from another time; a time before the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th. Serendipity is a romantic comedy about the human desire for destiny fulfillment in our search for love. Underneath, the movie is a classy, chic romp through modern innocence in the age of American prosperity. The lead couple, Jonathan Trager (played by John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) are attractive, successful, even witty characters made out to be your average young American adults affected by infatuation. Yet their journey is alive with scenes of runway fashion, contemporary designer home accents, and intellectual references to literature and theater.

Jonathan and Sara are portrayed as common Westerners, beautiful people with sophisticated, luxurious lives and crisp, tailored personalities. If only those images had appeared before the collapse of WTC Tower I and Tower II, perhaps the love story would have connected to the aspirations of a young America looking for new mythologies. The opportunity to believe again, for the first time since the roaring 1920s, that life would always be good. Alas, wrapped in the dense mental imagery of churning smoke and ash from September 11th, Serendipity is like a dream remembered from an unblemished youth. And a lasting documentation of the hopeless romantic in all Americans that existed until the Fall Season of 2001.

Fashion is no exception; in fact, fashion itself may be the most accurate metaphor of the transformation of our culture resulting from the terror attacks. The fashion media has been confused, self-deprivating, and horrified to the point of stupefaction, while the retail market has caved from the devastating impact of the shift in American values from frivolity to resolution. While the editors, marketers, and pundits profess the "triviality" of their own field of expression, the buyers, designers, and manufacturers struggle to find new models of sellable identity. Will the post-tragedy professional woman forego sashes and corsages for masculine silhouettes? Is there anymore an appetite for slashed, ripped, and torn? Will the Sara Thomas' of the old economy indulge their BCBG field trips in the new sobriety?

The answers to these questions foreshadow the modern societal issues of reduced civil liberties in the name of security, the credibility of media as a voice for and mentor to citizens, and the commitment of consumers to lead the economic recovery of the technology industry.

In other words, some new rules set in the 1990s don't apply anymore. The new rules of (a) capitalism conquering the business cycle, (b) conspicuous consumption as a patriotic pursuit, and (c) justifiable reckless abandonment of the frugal lifestyles of our forefathers in the name of marketing differentiation. Death of the 1990s euphoria happened on September 11th, not in February of 2001 (i.e. the Internet crash) as many economic experts proposed. We still had hope in August that the great American capitalist engine would gather steam and chug back into its former glory. That ended when we all watched the towers fall and realized that our backsides were not protected while our frontside was expanding.

New Family Values Realignment of existing institutions occurred as well. The aftershocks of September 11th resulted in a reaffirmation of family values in America, albeit new "family" units. Family once defined as two parents, two kids, and the pet, was now frozen as two, three, or however many close companions committed as soulmates irrespective of gender, race, or sexual preference. Everyone wanted to be close to family again, now widely recognized and accepted as the home companion, and the dependent children or elderly. Nesting instincts, mothering protection, local boys or girls as daredevil-firefighting, emergency-rescuing, recovery-managing heroes. Confined to our local lifestyles and deprived of our jet-setting professional pursuits, we searched for meaning and purpose, and found it in family preservation. With the caveat that what was being preserved was the new American family, an entirely modern definition that at once separates our culture from Third World homogeneous societies like Aphganistan, and puts a solid character profile on the beautiful images of America projected to the rest of the world by television and Hollywood.

Smart, chic public life. In our flight from the falling steel morass and our subsequent emotional outpouring in the media, we are chic. Smartly dressed, well-spoken, even fashion-aware as evidenced by Barry Bonds' wife in the heyday of Bonds' record-breaking baseball season. Our politicians, law enforcement and justice representatives, military servicemen, and especially, our investigative reporters, are ship-shape and wrinkle-free, clad in microfiber, pique cotton, and suede. Coming at us from New York, Washington, London, Pakistan, China, and anywhere in the world where Americans step up to the camera. We look good. Even our children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and respecting the billowing flag don Oxford jackets and empire waist prints. Fashion in American mainstream life, once a pale second cousin to European refinement, has emerged to frame the modern citizen as stylish and hip. Even in the face of disaster. Especially in the face of terror. We are defiantly fashionable, practical in taste and resolute in presentation. If our nation is to be attacked because of its prosperity, then we shall wear our fine fabrics while meeting that attack.

Science Fiction Sleek With the passing of the Age of Innocence we also see the passing of the age of Victorian fashion excess. Fluffy cuffs, voluptuous layers of tulle, and flumes, feathers, and finery have moved to special interest status in the fashion survey.

In its place, the surprising rise of science fiction themes has been institutionalized by the ever-present media images of firemen in space-age uniforms, bio-scientists combing white-collar office places, and regular citizens pocketing and brandishing cell phones, camcorders, and wired clothing to capture it all in real-time. If the fashion world had any presumptions about ignoring the techfashion world introduced by the prosperous geeks of the 90s and preserved in the youth culture of the new millenium gameboxes, that became impossible in the days after September 11th, when our physical lives were filled with "real world" images seen before only in virtual scapes or in space travel and espionage settings. Within days of the tragedy, news casts showed us the grizzly parallels between PC-based flight simulation games of destruction and the real flight horrors of the WTC attacks. All of the fashion foreplay set in motion in the 1990s by new media proliferation, exotic adventure travel, and especially, science fiction commodity entertainment, came together in those brief few moments when steel-on-steel horror focused the world's attention on the dark side of modernity. Where the 20th century saw the culmination, distribution, and celebration of Victorian pomp, the 21st century now enters the "Starship Troopers" era in fashion.

FASHION SKETCHES

FASHION DIRECTORY

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