LOS ANGELES, Apr 4, 2003/ FW/ --- The John Sakalis fashion show was held off site, perhaps that was the reason it was slow to fill and started nearly forty-five minutes late. It certainly couldn’t have been his ability as a designer.

The fun Sakalis must have had creating his line of Highland themed clothing was apparent.

Most outfits were done with a tartan plaid unique in that they did not give off that dreaded “Catholic School Girl” impression.

His charcoal wool batwing sweater and wool tartan plaid two-tiered micro mini skirt (with alpaca wool tassel!) was a delicious and playful number that brought to mind a Scottish lassie with a flirtatious nature.

And his wool tartan plaid cropped pants were cute and charismatic.

For those of a more conservative taste, he offered a brown wool tweed jacket with a fox collar, leather trim and matching brown wool tweed culotte.

Every now and again, Sakalis veered from the Highland theme and brought out designs more suited to a rave than a night out or to the office.

His black ribbed stretch cashmere turtleneck, for instance, was remarkable when viewed from the front but the slashing on the back appeared more of the When Animals Attack variety than a fashion technique.