Edition: A Winning Destination
Spring Fashion
Author: Alecia Warren
St. Louis shops feature classic looks for spring.
SOPHISTICATED DRESSES
Fashion will take its cue from 1950s Hollywood this spring, as dresses become the stars for both formal and casual occasions. Look for classic styles introduced by Coco Chanel and made popular by stars like Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn. "The really important thing about the spring line is a sense of elegance and sophistication," said Mike Baskin, co-owner of Mark Shale (1147 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-725-4888). "Remember how Katharine Hepburn looked in black and white, with a belt looped around her dress? It was very elegant, and very tasteful. Viewers' gazes will gravitate to women's legs at Neiman Marcus (100 Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9811), where above-the-knee hemlines will burst forth this spring. Declaring adventure with bold solid colors ranging from violet to red to crisp white, wispy dresses swirling around women's thighs will knock boho ankle-long skirts out of the picture. "Women will rely on cropped jackets to transform any dress into an ensemble," said Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus fashion director. "Women will find as many varities of the jacket as they will occasions to wear them," he added.
CLASSIC MENSWEAR
Along with sophisticated dress styles for women, the classic look will re-emerge in the men's department as well, Baskin said. Mark Shale will make a fashion statement of the simploe suit, resurrecting back and side-vented suits with a modern twist, flattering masculine frames by giving the classic three-button design a closer fit than in the past. Menswear colors will be subdued, and will feature Micro Neat style, in which a woven pattern creates the illusion of a solid color from a distance, but reveals a complex design close-up.
Sam Cavato, owner of the same-named store Sam Cavato (265 Plaza Frontenac, 314-997-1100) offers a different perspective. "The suit is gradually falling out of favor," he said. Whether lounging with friends at a bar or brushing up for an office meeting, most men currently dress down their formal wear with sport coats instead of suits. Cavato said he's particularly invested in one of the store's upcoming surprises: the lemon sport coat. "We feel lemon is a great fashion look," he said. "I think it's not for everyone, just for someone who understands fashion."
Neiman Marcus
1701 S. Lindbergh,, Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis, MO 63131
