What a relief to see our old favourite in the spotlight again for the winter 2005-2006 fashion season. As we breathe that sigh of relief one must surely ask herself the obvious question: has black ever really left us? Was navy or brown ever the new black? As fashion designers tempt us to delve into colourful new worlds, aren’t we ever true to that wonderful absence of all colour? Or is black the presence of all colours? Whichever scientific or philosophical approach you chose to follow, one thing is certain: black is officially back! In case you didn’t already know.

Rumour has it that black goes with everything. Perhaps there is some sadly accepted truth to that rampant rumour since it seems to be a widely accepted norm, but I have found that there is a good chance we have all been mislead. One can easily challenge this age-old regulation of fashion simplicity by looking into a mirror while sporting black pants combined with a lime green top. Forgive me gentle readers, but if I am to be honest I must tell you, the combination is simply indescribably nauseating. Please honour the beauty of lime green by paring it with grey, turquoise, or forest green or just the right shade of blue. One must not dishonour colours such as lime green or the black by forcing them to be seen in public together. Fashion is the one place it is completely acceptable and advisable to segregate on the basis of colour. Feel free to carry a eucalyptus bag while wearing grey trousers with a pale pink sweater. Adding a scarf which beautifully gives permission by marring the three colours will make any lady, who is able to wear pink gracefully, look simply smashing.

So, what can the elegant lady of the coming season wear with that black which is back? The answer is basically anything which won’t make you look like a peacock wearing her mourning clothes. Black is so elegant on its own. Save black for when you feel elegant, or understated and confidentorfat. Black looks wonderful on its own, with toast, cream or with any shade of grey. Don’t be afraid to pair it with navy. If the combination didn’t stop Yves St. Laurent, it shouldn’t stop you either. Just be careful not to wear it in a way which appears to be a mistake: you know what I mean, the manner of combination which leaves all those who gaze on your person wondering if you got dressed with the lights off. If you wear black trousers and a navy top, just be sure to balance the look with something black near your face which says “I meant to do that”. Another elegant way to soften black is to pair it with a chocolate brown; this combination lends a day look to a night-time colour.

What luck we have this season to find our old friend officially back. How lovely it is to see it back with its old friend azure blue. Plum and winter white are on offer for the more neutral among us and red strikes the fancy in everyone. Ladies, it is going to be a beautiful winter!

Jennifer Marvin is an American born Parisian fashion designer who grew up in the mountains of Colorado passing wintry days at a sewing machine under the guidance of her mother. Jennifer’s passion for creating and manipulating fabrics into wearable art took her from her family’s Colorado ranch to London and finally to Paris where she now considers home. Her work has been published in British Vogue magazine, sold on the most fashionable street in Paris and auctioned for charities such as Seeds of Peace in New York City and The committee for Missing Children International.

Jennifer Marvin, Paris
http://www.jennifermarvin.com
44 rue des Meuniers, Paris France 75012
Phone/Fax: 011 33 143 43 44 91

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For those who want to be on top of this fall and winter’s fashion trend, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the following three fashion movements. They are the Victorian Charm, Sophisticated Classic, and Military Style. They’re also our main focus for the upcoming seasons. These trendy fashions have been previewed on the runways of Milan, London, Paris and New York City by some of the most famous and popular designers of our generation.

Sophisticated Classic

The gratuitous use of velvet and suede, two of the most elegant and stylish materials created, gives the Sophisticated Classic collection its charm. These materials are particularly popular on coats and business suits. Dark purple and dark blue are the prevailing colors of choice by clothing designers who use them to set a classy and romantic tone. To add a more dazzling attitude, designers like John Galliano include a touch of bright yellow in his dark blue collections. This intense color contrast creates a fabulous and stunning effect. A brightly colored handbag can also give you the same alluring effect throughout the fall and winter. In addition, lime green, remains a very popular color for the upcoming seasons and can be the perfect accent accessory.

Victorian Charm

Lace, the focal point of in this design, is widely used by many popular designers. For the “Victorian Charm” effect, silk floral laces are used in abundance to embellish the neckband and the sleeve cuff on for dresses and blouses. Mixing and matching is the key to wearing laces. In this season, designers will match lace blouses and dresses with cowboy jackets, military coats, leather caps and jeans. Mixing and matching adds a playful and casual touch and it also preserves the glamour of the Victorian era.

Military Style

Although the military style was already popular on last fall season, it is still a big hit this coming fall. However, designers this year are trying even harder to reduce the cold military feeling. For example, in Burberry Prorsum collections, you see military style coats that come with simple metal buckles and smaller collars. You will find this fall season’s military style collections are more feminine than those you saw last year. One thing to notice, buckle on jeans seems to be a big hit in the world of fashion this fall.

Gabrielle Chan, founder of UpTown Bella, is the woman responsible for the new line of chic and sassy laptop bags that has been a hit among career women.

Be sure to check out Bella’s Corner for practical style and beauty tips to look attractive at and off work

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