Jun 19, 2002 /FWD/ --- "It is often one strong image that starts off the concept for an entire collection," Lars Nilsson explained to FWD as he showed an Irving Penn photograph of two cocktails and two cigarettes -- one with a cigarette holder -- at the Bill Blass Resort 2003 presentation in New York last week.

The image is apt, both for its mix of strength and femininity that inspired the collection, and for its perhaps unwitting homage to the late Blass, whose visions of 1920s glamour redefined industry standards.

For his part, Nilsson has taken that mantle and run with it.

His particular knack for coloring is in high form for Resort 2003 - an accent that works beautifully against a backdrop of mostly natural shades and fabrics.

A basic palette of sand and stone is highlighted by teal, rich coral and tomato colors.

Organic fabrics like silk and cashmere epitomize the Blass credo of casual elegance, with a utilitarian twist.

"They are easy to travel with, and easy to wear and easy to take care of," Nilsson explained.

For day, skirts in cotton and silk satin swish sexily at the knee and are paired with cashmere sweaters and silk cashmere halters.

A tomato cotton jacket livens up silk twill shorts, and there is a beautiful hand-painted windowpane silk coat that would dignify any ensemble.

Evening sees dresses in silk chiffon that are fitted and sexy, but wearable.

There is an incredible teal silk chiffon dress that simply begs to be taken aboard a swanky yacht for evening cocktails.

Nilsson, who took on design duties at Blass in early 2001, says that he is still "in the process of learning what women in various cities want."

But his ample experience in couture shows through to great effect in pieces like a sand and coffee silk georgette halter dress that is drawn to the body with an espresso beaded belt.

"I have introduced couture elements, such as the beaded belts, which give the piece something a little special and different," he explains.

"I love adding those extra touches."

Prints weren't forgotten either. Vivid and lively, they work perfectly with the simple and sophisticated bikinis in the collection.

"The prints are graphic -- polka dots with lines going through them -- they are quite bold but I think they work," Nilsson says.

Nilsson has a remarkable ability to respect the timeless elegance of the Bill Blass label while simultaneously infusing it with a modern twist.

He has deftly managed the delicate task of keeping both established Blass fans and a new crop of younger girls happy.

"It is great to see we are able to please the younger crowd as well as our base customers," Nilsson says. "I hope this collection does that."