Black to Basics

Paris, London, Milan and New York for the past three to four seasons showcased tributes to color. A spectrum of vibrant colors from designers all over the world invaded the runway, causing a stir from clothing to accessories, from RTW to haute couture. Prints over prints went wild; mix- matching patterns created a more colorful view of fashion.

This season, designers "go black to the basics," whether safe or daring. The Fall 2002 runways have been filled with long black dresses, bringing the resurgence of Glam rock, Goth, elements of grunge and the retro-romantic. Flashes of the trend appeared from a variety of designer styles from fashion-forward Gucci; sleek, sultry and adventurous YSL Rive Gauche; laid-back all-American classic Ralph Lauren to London’s newcomer Sophia Kokosalaki; British wonder boy Alexander McQueen; the Italian dynamic duo Dolce & Gabbana; and minimalist Prada.

Re-inventing the drama of all-black dressing with a simple yet bigger statement revealed a new approach to black. The "oversized silhouette" this season can be either masculine or feminine, fancy or sophisticated, or with more tailored styles. Dresses come in either sleek fluid designs or the more gossamer or flyaway, re-inventing the look either from simple to a more stylized interpretation.

Locally, equally talented and creative designers have created pieces inspired by this trend. With the local designers’ ingenuity and style, each introducing fresh ideas in the fashion industry, the comeback of the black dress will definitely create waves and bring back glamour to Manila’s glittering party scene.