Mar 25, 2002/ FW/ --- The trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Milan has done Sandy Dalal a lot of good.

Already an innovative menswear designer before Byblos signed him up to design their Spring 2002 and Fall 2002 men's wear collection, being exposed to the creative juices of the Italians expanded the young designer's horizon.

For Fall 2002, for his own men's wear line, "Sandy Dalal," there was definitely a European flavor in the look and feel of the collection.

It still has the cutting edge and rawness of downtown Manhattan, but tempered with luxurious fabrics and extra detailing.

Add to that the innovations that he showed for this collection, it was truly a stellar show.

His take on the V-neck ribbed sweater, with high collar is innovative. Using the classic ribbed knit design for sweaters, Dalal made the V neck wider and the ribbed collar higher. Paired with leather pants, it's definitely a downtown look which could easily go uptown in a moment's notice.

The designer also broke new ground in his interpretation of the parka and hooded jackets.

Using red waterproof fabric (probably microfiber), the parka jacket was short cropped and fitted, the hood lays at the neck, that looked like a collar, instead of a hood if not worn. The pockets are in front in a V, instead of the usual slit.

The hooded winter jacket lined with furn for warmth was a combination of the U.S. Navy peacoat and the heavy weather hooded coat of the Army. Instead of looking militaristic, it looked like a coat for an uptown gentleman.

Dalal also showed his signature plaid and stripes, the designs which made him famous. He updated the look, with the pants still slim, yet generously cut, and the blazers are fitted, yet drapes great on the body of the model.

His work on leather has truly improved beyond leaps and bounds. Using distressed leather, he reworked the aviator's jacket, making it longer (almost above the knee compared to the military issue hipster) and making the collar wider.

In the reworking, the militaristic went out the door and the finished product is an urban jacket meant for the cold weather of the North.

Looking at this collection, Sandy Dalal is more than ready to tackle his job at Onward Kashiyama, who signed up the young designer to design the men's wear collection of the fashion forward label ICB.

Sandy Dalal Menswear

Sandy Dalal Menswear

Sandy Dalal Menswear