The day before the Milan menswear season kicked off, analysts finally agreed that the U.S. economy is finally on the upturn.

The day the Milan season ended, another piece of good news was released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. For May 2003, personal income increased $27.1 billion, or 0.3%, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $22.5 billion, or 0.3%.

And that is music to the ears of the fashion houses. Increased DPI means people are going to spend more, and hopefully consumers will choose clothing and accessories.

So, what can we expect next summer to be in the stores?

Maybe, the news of the DVD-release of the classic movie 'Giant' starring James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor which was set in Texas, is far more reaching than what Hollywood expected.

Four of the big fashion houses in Italy, namely Gucci, Fendi, Prada's Miu Miu and Cerruti 1881 went for the cowboy look.

Tom Ford, who is originally from Texas went for the 'contemporary' cowboy look, something that can easily blend in the streets of Dallas, Houston, Albaquerque or Santa Fe, NM.

Fendi went for the city dwelling cowboy. But don't mistake it with John Travolta's 'Urban Cowboy,' because it is definitely far from it. Fendi's take is fresh and modern, worthy of the sophisticated urbanites.

Miu Miu has the romantic western adventure, for the young and hip cowboy, raised at the ranch, but definitely know the city like the back of his hand.

Cowboy boots have been 'Milan-ized' too. And so does the carry-all bag that cowboys bring in the prairie. And if the cowboy decide to travel by plane, or just go to the gym for a work out, the bags work there too.

One thing interesting that came out. Denim jeans are now ironed, as seen on the Gucci runway. The pleat in front is prominent.

Though this might be news to the fashion flock, ironing jeans is actually the norm for cowboys when they go out in town to go dancing. Cowboys wear jeans 90% of the time. When they wear ironed jeans, it is a special occassion.

Tom Ford remembered, that is obvious. And as the saying goes at the Lone Star State... 'You can take the boy out of Texas, but you cannot take Texas out of the boy.'

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Gucci Menswear

Fendi Menswear

Miu Miu Accessories

Cerruti 1881 Menswear