NEW YORK, Sep 26, 2002/ FWD/ --- It's only been a couple years since shoe master Kenneth Cole launched his first women's wear collection, but he seems to have the system down.

Since its inception, he has managed to turn out wearable, affordable pieces for the city girl that have managed to keep pace with his button-downs and flat-front pants, which have been staples for the urban gentleman for years.

Wednesday night in Bryant Park the designer presented both men and women on the runway.

Playing with a theme of "urban romanticism," Cole showed fine-gage knits and cotton floral shirts for men, print chiffons and lace ruffles for women.

While Cole's formula for women is generally feminine without the frill, for spring/summer 2003 he definitely went a little softer.

Before those who thought the peasant look had finally passed offer a collective groan: The gauzy factor is relatively toned down, and since this is still practical Kenneth Cole, sheer blouses are paired with canvas shirt jackets or waistcoats, and colors remain very neutral.

Clusters of beads and sequins on some pieces, belts and shoes dusted with gold, and glittery anklet socks and fishnets also added an urban edge to the traditional pastoral peasant concept.

For men, tuxedo-style button downs were juxtaposed with casual cotton shorts and soft sport boots, and ruffle dress shirts with soft drawstring pants.

The designer is also a big fan of the layered look and many models were bundled up in multiple blouses, camisoles, jackets and scarves.

Sometimes the look-how-many-clothes-we-can-fit-into technique missed the mark though and it was difficult to distinguish one piece from another.

A henley with gathered sleeves worn under a tight tank, for example, was just confusing.

As you'd expect from a man who started his empire as a solely (in the spirit of Cole's marketing: pun intended) shoe-based business, leathers proliferated in jackets, coats and even a pair of men's suede drawstring pants.

In an ode to Kenneth Cole's new "Stir the Air" campaign for the company's debut fragrances, "Something in the Air" strummed in the background.

And while these clothes certainly weren't the "revolution" the song hails, Cole did once again get it together with a collection that will please his loyal urban soldiers.

Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole