The fashion trends for winter 2002 and summer 2003 are varied: glamorous, classic, antique, or Egyptian, Latin American or Wild West inspired. A feminine 50's-inspired silhouette for suits and dresses; lingerie-inspired pieces, with touches of gold and silver;
return of glamour wrap – all worn for day or evening. Stylish are feminine trouser-suits with short jackets, some more fitted at waist than others, in cotton or linen gabardine with double cuffs.
Blouses are in asymmetrical-styled cotton. Wool jersey with short-fringed sleeves appear as do pure white, knee-length dresses layered with lightweight cotton voile or organza with meshed structure and casual draping in natural colours and fabrics from denim to silk; baby-doll and halter-style dresses in silk/satin blends with beaded, embroidered touches for sultry summer nights. Fur and lace are key touches for flowing skirts with diagonal layers and cutout dresses with oversized shawl sleeves.
We’re seeing a combination of looks inspired by ‘Egyptian mysticism’ [rococo prints mixed with either Egyptian cotton or beige satin] and glamour of Hollywood during its golden era with red and black satin dresses being very popular. Slim tops and skirts with circle and flower mohair embroideries; flowing silk chiffon skirts and a bolero jacket, both with confetti-like detailing and a sheer black silk chiffon wrap-up scarf op.
Designers are featuring both classic and street styling, offering tailored silk/wool palazzo pants and a short, fitted jacket, or unisex hip-hop looks using glowing fabrics for contrasting piping, pocket flaps and colour-blocked tanks. Very popular are acid-frayed denim skirts, furry mini-vests, patchwork denim pants, triple-belt dresses and knitted halter tops with long fringes.
There is also a turn-of-the century style for everyday wear, austere and casual style of peasants and pioneers. A masculine influence, harking back to pioneers of grandparents' days, was paired with a Wild West look, with gaucho-style divided skirts.
Ultra-sexy, slim and low-waist pants came in all sorts of colourful styles— red herringbone and corduroy, blue plaid, stripes—with Western-style leather and lace-up trims. Tops also come trimmed in leather but varied in style from black or printed kimono-styled numbers to tanks to a denim jacket that screams rock 'n' roll.
The popular colours are shades of brown, slate blue, sepia, beige and prints, with black seen everywhere. In style is look of an old-fashioned trousseau or vintage neo-hippie bohemian dress; layered skirts of lace and chiffon matched with simple knit tops and bodysuits adorned with lace trim; Liberty florals with faded colours; and floral patterns in a multi-coloured patchwork pattern or antique-look camisole, cotton petticoat [short or long] with broderie Anglaise, narrow pleats and horizontal tucks, or lace blouses in faded pastel shades, as if found in old trunks. The "used" and "washed" looks are currently popular.
‘In’ are Kimono-styled shiny dresses in an asymmetrical cut; ribbon-style hemmed gowns; feminine looks with micro-mini denim skirts; pink plaid strapless tops; fringed dresses; acid-frayed denim skirts; furry mini-vests; patchwork denim pants; low-rider jeans; stretch fabric dress shirts in a variety of colours; triple-belt dresses; legwarmers made from jacket sleeves, in leather and suede; plush sweaters; calf-length coats and shearling maxi coats.
