Jill Stuart's Black Out
Written by: Molly Knight
Photos by: Gruber-FWD
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New York, Feb 15, 2001/ FWD/ --- Those who arrived at Jill Stuart's
Fall 2001 show with an appetite for the designer's good cheer
left feeling empty and unsatisfied.
Known for fun, sexy looks, Stuart showed a collection that was surprisingly somber. The show
opened with a seemingly endless series of sullen-looking models clad in head-to-toe black.
There
were black leggings paired with oversized black sweaters with zippers down the arms, black knit
dresses with button-fronts, military style tops and balloon skirts that puffed out like pieces
of popcorn around the waist.
When color finally appeared, it only made its way onto belts used
to cinch draped, non-descript jersey dresses.
Instead of the young and hip, Stuart seemed to be reaching out to the old and staid.
Blouses
came with high collars and pleats down the front, skirts were pleated and shapeless, and
Victorian-style lace blouses climbed high on the neck.
A long black cape in wool looked like
something Lorna Doone would have worn to roam the English moors at night.
Stuart did not, however, end her show on a dour note.
The designer did send out a few looks
that had more of her sweet and pretty touch.
Fitted cream suits were fresh and appealing, as
were silk tops - one tank and one blouse - in a black and white pattern.
One can only wonder what Angie Harmon, a fan of Jill Stuart who sat front-row, thought of the
show.
Although Harmon told reporters she enjoyed the collection, the actress was not exactly
enthusiastic in her praise.
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