Jun 3, 2002/FWD/ --- Whether it's peasant or prairie, primitive or Gothic, stylemakers such as Polly Allen Mellen, Patricia Field, and interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz confirmed that fashion themes with familiar historical and nature influences will remain strong for fall/winter 2002, at a Swarovski-hosted panel discussion on tomorrow's trends.

"Black will continue, but color will be strong," said Mellen before a room of apt fashion editors at The Whiskey in the W Times Square Hotel Thursday afternoon.

"Glamour and femininity will still be important, but there will be less overt sexiness."

Speaking specifically, the former "Bazaar," "Vogue," and "Allure" fashion editor cited the mix of textured fabrics such as velvet, lace, fur and feathers, with touches of shimmer such as lame or gold threading, as important for fall's impending mood -- as well as denim in all forms, opulent belts, and though the Vatican would disapprove, ornate, darkly-toned crosses.

Patricia Field, dressed in a burgundy cocktail dress and a crystal-embedded turban on her head, spoke of the importance of accessories, especially whimsical ones -- like a Swarovski-crystal umbrella pin she put on Sarah Jessica Parker for an upcoming episode of "Sex & The City."

"Personal references are a source of identification and security," Field stated, specifying - you guessed it -- Swarovski Graffiti bracelets with the words "love" and "lucky" as favorites.

And expect headwear, clip-on medallions, pave crystal bracelets, simple dresses with dramatic necklaces, and lace ("to suggest mystery") as major trends on the horizon.

As for interior design, "home as a haven" continues as a predominant theme, with color, light, kitsch objects, and a mix of different periods and textures as key elements for creating a feeling of comfort.

Noriega-Ortiz (whom Lenny Kravitz hired without even looking at his book) is a great proponent of crystals, claiming them to be a beautiful and effective way to give off light and life, elements that essentially "everyone is attracted to."

He also welcomes the use of color in monochromatic form.

"Color can be art in itself," he told the audience, referencing a photo of an all-blue room.

"When you line up different rooms in the house in different colors, there is no need for artwork."

Thankfully, for Fall 2002, Swarovski offers The Rainbow collection -- an array of home design products in vibrant hues.

Trend Inspiration by Paolly Allen Mellen for Swarovski's Today's Stylemakers on Tomorrow's Trends event
(Photo courtesy of Swarovski-FWD)