PARIS, Jan 30, 2003/ FW/ --- Antonio Miró offered a subdued collection this season, one that remained classic to the end.

There was an Iberian look to the cut of redingotes worn with fedoras, and even the color scheme of sky blue, marigold and brown seemed to evoke Catalan.

But the continuous nods to proletarian brown, together with the loose cut of the suits, began to get monotonous

It was a little like the taste of milk toast: dare I say it? Bland.

At last there was some spice, with a leather jacket glazed chestnut brown, and worn with black satin pants. Rust scarves were printed with gold and green designs to give some ornament.

The aged leather trenches trimmed with synthetic-looking fur didn't quite make it, however.

Barcelona is said to be a beautiful city, and some of these clothes would look just right for a night on the town.

In the end, it seemed that Miró was playing it extremely safe.

With ominous clouds growing more and more numerous on the global horizon, that well may have been a smart move.