PARIS, Oct 7, 2001/--- The Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris provided a fittingly grand setting for the stunning spring/summer 2002 collection from Belgian designer Dries Van Noten.

Van Noten's gypsy influences have been the prevailing trend this season, but this collection was a superior dark and exotic interpretation.

Each look was elaborately constructed, like oversized muslin blouses over ankle slit jodhpur pants, pulled to the body with a low slung suede bag or a leather weightlifter belt.

Or saris in fuchsia, pink and orange over wide, slouchy pants with delicately embroidered fitted jackets and a leather lace necklace.

Billowing smock dresses were accessorized with a leather cuff and colorful shoes; embroidered peasant skirts were teamed with shantung blouses in a subtle print; hazy patterns, like tie-dyes in petrol blue, green and black, or florals, floated throughout.

Van Noten also showed some welcoming heavy knit cardigans, hung open to the thigh, more structured, fitted knits, and draped and belted blanket coats for those cooler summer nights.

The effect was riveting. When the models walked the runway finale together like a nomadic tribe marching to their next destination, all that could be heard was a hushed chorus of "Loved it," and "Amazing" from the awed editors and buyers.

Dries Van Noten Fashion

Dries Van Noten Fashion

Dries Van Noten Fashion