LONDON, Sep 14, 2002/ FW/ --- With strings of multi-colored lights, hanging floral arrangements, and a bossa nova beat, Jasper Conran set a garden party scene for his presentation for Spring/ Summer 2003.

The collection was minimalist and elegant, befitting an early 60's Audrey Hepburn.

Day suits were made of linen and 3/4 sleeves prevailed.

Scoop neck dresses had princess lines and fitted waists and along with skirts, had hemlines that met the knee.

The only print to be seen were large scale polka dots on some pullovers and cardgans.

The palette was mostly black, white, and navy, but there was a splash of citrus hues in the second half, perfect for sitting poolside, which was the idea Jasper Conran was trying to achieve.

For the first time, the designer sent a handful of menswear on the runway to introduce his new menswear diffusion line at Debenhams.

Conran who has been designing designing diffusion lines for Debenhams for the past 6 years under the label J by Jasper Conran announced last April that he will be creating exclusive diffusion menswear lines for the retail store.

This collection will include formal - jackets, trousers and suits, casual, underwear and mens accessories.

A prolific designer, Jasper Conran is also currently designing crystals for Stuart Crystal and cutlery and giftware pieces for Wedgwood.

Of course, there was no way he could send those on the runway.

What he did send are his new collection of handbags and shoes to compliment his ready-to-wear collection.

When you go to a Jasper Conran show, you don't expect to be shocked.

You expect to see a very elegant, modern classics which are very wearable.

And that is where the designer's strength lies - he can read the pulse of his clientele.

The visible benefit - Jasper Conran is a constant favorite of retail buyers.