LOS ANGELES, Apr 7, 2003/ FW/ --- "Strangeland Stare: Passing through shade within shade within shade" was the title of Jared Gold's Fall 2003 collection shown last Friday in Los Angeles.

When around a dozen models with dark chocolate brown cloaks stepped out and walked over the runway and down through the attendees it was obvious people were in for some theatrics.

Generally a programmed depicts what each model is wearing, is exact and rather boring; in the case of Jared Gold's program he, instead, continued to tell his somewhat obscure story. Design number 14 for instance describes "Veronica: The premier of the redwoods. Burrs and seeds pass through water and flesh." Or number 23, "Daniella: Head Matron of Lead Spoon. Babba Yaga herself rendered in sugar and black glass."

Jared's strong points, aside from the theatrics, were his coats and ankle length skirts. Both of which were extraordinary. Using embroidery on much of the collection, each item presented was beautifully tailored. One skirt in olive and grey-green was fantastic with a long slit up its side. Also a high waist dress with a green upper and a tan skirt was surprisingly attractive.

The dramatics of Jared Gold's show came to a head when halfway through the set one young model came down the runway with a pointed black witches hat and her cloak gathered about. From her hands she sprayed smoke into the air as she marched proudly down the runway. At the end she dropped her cloak to reveal her painted flesh. Covered neck down in orange and black paint she posed for photographs before turning on heel and starting back up the runway. The program described her outfit as "Yolanda: Burned at the stake, while hymns were sung, and the sun came up." It was both an amusement and a much darker aspect of the Jared Gold collection.

An additional point that was especially attractive about the Jared Gold collection was that the clothing seemed designed to fit a variety of body types. Rather than a parade of tall, ultra thin models, the Jared Gold models were an array of heights and body styles. Some of the women were voluptuous with great curves or were short and squarer shaped.

The show was entertaining and the clothing incredible. Women who want to dress smartly are apt to find something among this line that will not only look terrific but fit splendidly as well.