Jill Stuart: Age of Innocence
By Mari Davis
Photos by: Gruber-FWD
More photos: 1 | 2
NEW YORK, Feb 12, 2003/ FW/ --- Maybe it's the war jitters or the flagging economy,
but one trend emerging from New York this season is going back to more innocent
times - our childhood.
Luella Bartley did with her high school hallway fashionistas. Jill Stuart went back
a few years younger - as in the time for your first communion, a religious ritual
for Catholic children done when they are still pre-adolescents.
Taking inspiration from the 1960s (an era still considered innocent though the world
was already awakening from its slumber), Jill Stuart sent out swingy dresses,
ribbed turtlenecks, and mini-double breasted mini-coats.
Most of them were mini skirts too, giving the audience a feeling that Twiggy might
walk on the runway.
There's nothing wrong with the 1960s look, but if you stayed 1960, it looks 1960!
The designer missed one word - 'update'.
It's not to say that it was a totally disappointing collection. There were some
beautiful pieces as the black jumpsuit with spaghetti straps and bustier-looking top.
But somehow, it is hard to imagine the downtown set, which has always been Jill Stuart's
best supporters, wearing the clothes.
Somehow, it made me think of the designer's Spring 2003 collection which was a real
winner. I wonder where it went?
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