Spring's Fashion Resumé

Spring 2004 Collection
Rodeo Drive/Ninth Street
Fashion@duke.edu 

Mission statement:  To make every occasion brighter, sexier and more fun.

Strengths:  

Lady-like:  Circle skirts, feminine accessories and more dresses than students in the UNC walkup line all emphasize the double-X-chromosome quality of this season's genetic makeup. Mentored by Oscar de la Renta. Practical experience: Susanna Monacco dresses, about $120.

Athletic:  Practically a star on a Division I team (or at least on the elliptical), spring's lineup features streamlined, sporty favorites. Mentored by Gucci. Practical experience: Juicy hoodies, about $80.

Rich:  Spring fashion is ushering in the gold medals--or at least the gold. Everything is gold or gilded in gold beading. Mentored by Miu Miu. Practical experience: Lizzie Fortunato shoulder-grazing gold earrings, about $80.

Alluring:  Familiar with 1960s sex kitten movies. Plunging halter tops and tight capris make spring fashion fun even post-5 p.m. Mentored by Versace. Practical experience: BCBG ombre chiffon tank, about $130.

Pure:  All-white offers a fresh, untainted perspective on trusted styles and designs. Complements tans well. Mentored by Donna Karan. Practical experience: Diane von Furstenberg dresses, about $300.

Vibrant:  With all its colors, this season's presence alone lights up a room. Its citruses, greens and pinks earn it a reputation as bright as Spring itself. Mentored by Pucci. Practical experience: Lacoste shirts, about $70.

Diverse:  A jack of all trades, this season mixes patterns, florals and stripes to present a more interesting and complicated pallet. Mentored by Dolce and Gabbana. Practical experience: Abercrombie Hawaiian print mini, about $40.

Fratty:  Capable of fitting right in to any "water cooler" conversation, spring's seersucker, pearls and cardigans allow it to hang with the boys. Mentored by Proenza Schouler. Practical experience: J. Crew embroidered chino shorts, about $44.

Weathers well:  Spring's biggest selling point? The trench coat, which keeps it cool, calm and collected at all times. Mentored by Burberry. Practical experience: Tommy Hilfiger trench, about $200.

Coordinated:  Fully complete and polished, this season would be nothing without its array of colorful bags--particularly impressive with chain straps--and well-grounded shoes such as wedge espadrilles and flat gold goddess sandals. Mentored by Louis Vuitton. Practical experience: Majunga green fringe bag, about $125.