NEW YORK, Feb 17, 2003/ FW/ --- If there is one designer who can do a cross-over of fashion styles and do it with aplomb, it is Anna Sui.

Ms. Sui who has always been identified with the youth culture movement and has been quoted crediting both Stevie Nicks and Courtney Love as sources of inspiration.

"I think everyone is influenced by their youth, by that time in your life when everything that happens seems critical, and certain songs become anthems for you".

For Fall 2003 though, the influence of Nicks and Love was there only in spirit.

Anna Sui's show last Wednesday at the Tent in Bryant Park was a convergence of the 1970s hippies look, sports and hip hop, still very much into the music and fashion connection.

The collecion was sporty - the models were Aspen bound, ready to ski.

The designer sent Erin Wasson on the runway wearing a graphical wool sweater in red and black, matched with a mini-skirt and fur trimmed uggies. Erin also carried a snowboard, a cute affectation, to say the least.

She then sent wool jackets matched with tank tops and printed skirts with uneven hemlines.

The inspiration definitely came from the 1970s, but instead of falling into the MOD trap that a lot of designers did during this otherwise staid season in New York, Anna Sui added one element - hip-hop.

For if there is one music movement which is crossing over to the mainstream today, it is hip-hop.

Confined to the African-American youth about a decade ago, Eminem changed that with his rise to fame.

Russell Simmons and HBO put it in our living rooms with the highly acclaimed Def Poetry Jam series.

Ms. Sui, who has always her pulse on the youth movement recognized that. And with her masterful execution, the collection was focused and entirely her own.

The influences were obvious, the clothes delightful and Anna Sui did what she does best - cater to the young and funky.

Anna Sui

Anna Sui