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Saturday, October 13, 2007

Style & Sophistication

By Amiel Martin Cabanlig

	Liz Claiborne dark asphalt wool sharkskin belted shift dress

Understated elegance, clean lines and contrasting textures accented with a punch of vibrant color. Modern proportions, precise silhouettes and unique embellishments that provide a mélange of richness and sheen. It’s back to basics with a playful brogue and lush simplicity with the year-end’s newest fashion collections. Sophisticated chic is the theme for the fall style forecast and holiday season of premier fashion brand Liz Claiborne.

In a recent affair at the Manila Peninsula, Liz Claiborne’s latest garment lines were unveiled in a straightforward yet refined fashion show. The event served as an austere platform for classic modishness and grace in an urbane setting sans the gaucheness and kitsch that seems to have attached itself to so many style showcases as of late.

Greeted by Ginggay Joven, we were joined by Rustan’s Anton Huang, SSI’s Malou Francisco (who has always supported Popoli since its inception), Philip Cu-Unjieng, and Maurice Arcache as well as other style searchers, all eager to set their eyes on the runway fashions.

Below is the reiteration of the Liz Claiborne collections for the Fall 2007 and Holiday 2007 seasons, which can serve as an up-to-the-minute style guide for fashion followers seeking the latest designer trends where sophistication is presently en vogue.

Liz Claiborne Fall 2007

The simple sophistication and low-key chic of the Fall 2007 line is created from a fashion sensibi­lity that is distinct and fresh. The heritage of Liz Claiborne is fashionable, versatile, high quality clothing with a distinctly modern point of view that is timeless. The Fall 2007 line carries that heritage forward and takes it to an entirely new level of affordable designer clothing with modern shapes, luxe fabrics and distinctive details.

Architectural simplicity, precise tailoring and new proportions are key for Fall 2007 silhouette. A-line, voluminous dresses, shifts, trapeze sweaters, cropped jackets and topper coats over slim pants or slouchy trousers define the look of the season.

Color and prints are more subdued for the fall collections. All shades of grey and taupe are important highlighted by flashes of green, yellow, teal, coral and orange. Luxurious textures and the importance of shine create newness. Felted wools contrast with silk charmeuse, supple leather and shearling with lightweight gauzes.

For Fall 2007, the magic is in the mix, pairing dark against light, shine with matte. Pintucks, pleats and gathering add soft structure while oversized snaps and belts neatly tie up the season’s best looks. Taking a shine to accessories this season is definitely in with patents that pop in unexpected hues. Clutches are classic yet modern in oversized silhouettes. Pretty pleating details and signature hardware create a look that is distinctly feminine.

Liz Claiborne Holiday 2007

Holiday 2007 is about modern proportions with a spirited mix of fresh shapes and classic lines. Sophisticated soft wool embellishes dresses are important, as are swing sweaters paired with cords and easy denim. Color is key with a vibrant palette that’s both purposeful and playful. Liz Claiborne celebrates fun feminine fashion for women who want to shine for the holidays.

The holiday season turns up the volume on shape with fuller tunic length dresses and jackets complemented by modern bracelet sleeves. Longer looks are belted and gathered in interesting ways for defying style. Lush cashmere sweaters include sleeveless, splitneck and cardigan styles.

Color is brilliant with saturated tones of bright cobalt, emerald green and amethyst grounded in gorgeous greys, blacks and whites. Classic cream and shimmering silver offer a fresh, festive perspective. As regards to fabric trends, it’s all about texture and sophisticated shine with breezy silk faille, soft cashmere, gauzy lightweight wool and glossy patent leather. Water-resistant fabrics add a modern, sporty twist to the mix.

Details include pleats, self-belts, gathering and unique embellishments like opulent oversized beading. Exaggerated prints make a beautifully bold holiday statement.

Liz Claiborne is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) with shops at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, The Power Plant Mall and TriNoma.