MILAN, Mar 16, 2005/ FW/– With a forties undertone and past precious feel, Belgian favorite Dries Van Noten delivered an autumn winter 2005/06 collection of men’s cut trousers and ladies touches.

Perhaps the initial palette may seem dull and melancholy, but Van Noten is a master in turning out favorite must haves. Beige, grey, black and somber colors from Grandmas closet soon turned into brilliant bright and marvelous orange, fuchsia, yellows, blues and golden sparkles of light for the winter season ahead.

Cropped jackets will be on everybody’s wish list along with the delicate wrap skirts that fall to the knee and finish with a bow sash, offering a femininity with its roots planted firmly in practicality and indispensable urbanity.

Trousers are often flat fronted and casually tailored with a masculine edge as pant leg volume tapered at the ankle, but it is the lovely romantic patterned blouses that makes them work, as Van Noten chooses silk along with velvet for the new fabric choices of the season.

Luxury comes in way of must have fur. As collars, cuffs and lining on cropped jackets that accentuate the waist or overcoats that aren’t afraid of the cold.

Mixing the lavish with the nonchalant of canvas, wool and rolling up trouser legs, the Belgian succeeds in providing a wardrobe for the girl who isn’t looking for too much of the pretty, but rather the right combination of the feminine and determination.

Long skirts that fall to the floor and black floral on delicious green and orange coats will be a sure success for the house of Van Noten next season, along with the ribbon tie up pumps and divine double breasted top halves in a contemporary blend of city savvy required style.

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten