NEW YORK, Sep 22, 2002/ FWD/ --- Amidst her usual urban warriorism, Donna Karan seems to be having a bit of a Minnie Mouse moment.

And like the rest of her design colleagues this season, she chalks it up to it being "time to have fun again."

Polka-dots abounded in her spring/summer 2003 DKNY collection (even for the few men's looks) in silhouettes of a 1950s sort.

There were fuller, pleated skirts, some to the knee, some cut ra-ra short.

Delicate georgette blouses with Peter Pan collars and puckered sleeves, and sundresses with skirts enhanced by tulle under-layerings - all had a cutesy quotient upped by a color palette of bright peony and sunshine yellow.

The look was head-to-toe lady, with patent-leather belts, and a variety of candy-colored crushed leather high-heeled sandals that will undoubtedly make more than a few junior editor wish-lists.

But, being the reigning queen of New York fashion, Donna Karan wouldn't dare stop at sweet Disneyworld style.

Karan also infused her collection with all the feminine street chic that's made her such a commercial success.

There were shrunken twill jackets, soberly paired with swing skirts; sexy jersey halters in rich nutmeg shades; a host of chic georgette blouses coolly cut to appear as short jackets, and walking shorts with just the right amount of elegant sheen.

Some of the most standout looks - and certainly the most commercial - were those that fused fatigues with femininity: A pretty twill pleated skirt and a smart sundress with tulle underlay, both fashioned out of combat material.

Finishing with an all-white finale of breezy mini dresses, Karan seemed to present yet another side of New York fashion - one made memorable by a certain Marilyn Monroe, as she stood atop a subway grate.

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