May 2, 2002/ FW/ --- "Shearling is warmer than down, more luxurious than fur and longer-lasting than cloth," that is how the ITA website described shearling.

Dominic Bellissimo who is part of the ITA Ltd. group of designers, and celebrating more than two decades of design continue to give the fashion world innovative and luxurious looks for shearling.

There are a lot of designers who specialize in leather, but, very few really take into designing shearling which comes from unfinished hides from lambs.

It's probably because working with shearling means doing a lot of things by hand.

"While apparel-making as a whole has become increasingly technology-intensive, from computerized pattern-making to high speed laser cutting and automated sewing techniques, the manufacturing process for shearling has not evolved beyond a craft."

"In fact, the most notable advance in technology introduced to the shearling industry in the last 1000 years is the sewing machine." From www.shearlings.com

This means that the designer has to work hands on with the material, supervising every detail, every cut, every stitch.

It is no wonder that Dominic Bellissimo is well-known for his attention to detail and quality craftmanship in every garment that he creates.

For Fall 2002, the designer continue to dazzle the fashionista set with what he can do with shearling.

From the loose floor sweeping coats with jagged edges which befits a rock star, Bellissimo also created tailored looks for those who like classical and traditional looks.

The collection is all about confidence and sensuality, an appeal to the senses.

Using classic neutral colors in black, navy, forest, taupe, and chocolate mean that you can mix and match these shearlings with anything in your wardrobe.

This season, the designer used long-haired Toscana skins as trimming around the collars and cuffs for added sophistication.

New details also include the contrast pick-stitch that enhances the long lean line of the semi-fit coats.

Dominic Bellissimo Fashion