Q I want to replace the black leather jacket that I wear day and evening. I have a great figure and I love to show it off. This time I want something in an eye-catching colour that is still versatile. Do you have any suggestions? A Consider red. It's the one strong colour that stood out against spring and summer's pale pastels. Red actually serves as a neutral in a wardrobe because it goes with every colour. Donna Karan worked it very effectively against black and nude in her spring collection.
'There is nothing stronger than lipstick red,' she said. 'It's completely feminine and with a shine this season it has a whole new look. It's a constant pick-me-up. There are always those days when you want to shoot yourself and that's when you need a shot of red, whether it's a scarf or a jacket.' Q Every magazine I've picked up for spring and summer has models showing off their midriffs in short shirts and sweaters. Where do the designers expect us to wear such clothes? Are we to bare our midriffs at the office? A I turned to the two young designers who won awards in 1994 from the Council of Fashion Designers of America - Cynthia Rowley and Victor Alfaro. According to Rowley, rule number one is never show your stomach in the workplace. 'Midriff-revealing sweaters are not for daytime, unless they are layered over a bodysuit or a dress. But I do like the look for evening. Then it's fun to have a sliver of stomach showing. The midriff look is a new way of dressing sexy. It is not the usual bare arms, backs and cleavage. I also think it's flattering for most women because the cut is high. Most women feel self-conscious showing their tummies but a midriff today usually ends well above the hips.' Alfaro welcomes midriff shirts because they 'focus on a part of the body that hasn't been in fashion for a while'. He says, however, that 'while it is not a trend suitable for most women or for everyday wear, teenagers love it'. Although Alfaro has reservations about bared midriffs, he's all out for sweaters. He sees them as an easy option for a wardrobe that can be used instead of a blouse. 'I believe that once women understand the new knitwear they will find it an essential part of their work wardrobe. Sweaters are practical and comfortable. They come in many shapes and textures and they have a flexibility that no other garment has.' Q I just bought a fake alligator handbag made of stamped leather. I think it was a bargain and looks real. My godmother disagrees. She says whatever I buy should be real and natural. In other words, a plain leather handbag would have been classier.
A I am inclined to agree with your godmother. I'm a little tired of the fakes and copies we see today. A bag in beautiful unadorned natural leather looks refreshing.
But Hamilton Hodge, who designs for the Italian company De Vecchi, disagrees. 'Faux alligator is a mood,' he says. 'The only risk you take by not purchasing a real alligator bag is that the fake might not last very long.' Hodge also notes that a real alligator bag is a much more serious and expensive investment, costing between US$1,000 and $7,000 (HK$7,720 and $54,000). 'What matters most is that you are happy with your purchase.' Q I have salt-and-pepper hair and I've decided to dye it. I've heard that going lighter than your natural colour makes you look younger. Is this true? I have a very pale complexion with blue eyes. What colour would you suggest? A I took your problem to Manhattan's Louis Lacari, who colours some of the most famous and beautiful heads in the world. He agrees that going lighter than your natural colour will be most flattering but he cautions against choosing too light a shade. 'Excessively lighter hair can make you look washed out, and that can be ageing. Your hair colour should always be in contrast to your skin colour. I usually recommend going one or two shades lighter than your natural hair colour. For example, if you're medium brown, go a light warm brown. And definitely cover the grey.'