NEW YORK, Feb 13, 2001/ --- If the fashion gods declared ladylike looks a thing of the past, then Rebecca Taylor wasn't listening.

For her Fall 2001 collection, staged Tuesday at Bryant Park, Taylor was not afraid to show off her ultra-feminine side. (That the designer is a former protégé of Cynthia Rowley comes as no surprise).

The look was pastel-pretty: light-colored tweeds mixed with silk and chiffon in shades of apricot, aubergine and gray. Bustiers made from tweed and silk were paired with flirty chiffon skirts and wool pants embellished with beading. One of the most girlish of details - the ruffle - appeared as a fluid trim on hems, sleeves and necklines.

Although Taylor's collection was ladylike, it was not without some sexy edge. The designer dared to take miniskirts to eyebrow- raising heights and her silky fabrics clung to the models in all the right places. One micro-mini, made from embossed lizard skin, was cut high enough to reveal the model's garters.

Perhaps the most refreshing thing about Taylor's show was her use of color. In all of the 43 looks the native New Zealander showed, there was not a trace of black.

Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor