Milan, Oct 1, 2002/ FWD/ --- From the opening moment -- soft lights illuminating a black veiled Alek Wek -- all the way to the finale -- Wek this time adorned in a couture-like white sequin poof dress -- the Istvan Francer show oozed a continuous flow of modern and mysterious sophistication.

Francer, a Hungarian-born Milan-based designer, opened his signature collection with a series of black dresses so perfectly elegant that they were simply irresistible.

The skirts sashayed, flowed and flounced. The tops revealed deeply cut Vs or halter style tops, some with capes.

All were cut to precision.

Elegance can sometimes come too close to the realm of safety or, god forbid, boredom.

Not so here.

Beneath the fresco-painted, high vaulted ceilings, Francer sent out pieces that all had innovative touches and a sense of mystery with their beautiful understatement.

Bouffant skirts had their own fresh take as hems were tucked and uneven.

These were matched with great tailored separates, some of which were strapless and had overlapping pleats peeking out.

Special details like corset style lacing, hoods, embroidered sleeves and lace overlays were present throughout the show, giving the pieces uniqueness.

Francer kept his focus on evening, or at the very least, sophisticated looks, and his tight presentation was all the better for it.

Some of the strongest looks were towards the end -- a series of loose satin dresses in warm gold, horizontal velvet striped chiffon pieces and a hot pair of white pants strung up with laces and white sequins.

These are clothes that will most certainly appeal to the educated fashionista -- that girl who knows fashion inside and out, and can spot something fresh and new a mile away.

This girl wouldn´t dare be caught wearing what someone else has on in the room.

And with this collection she certainly won´t have to.

Istvan Francer Istvan Francer

Istvan Francer Istvan Francer