Designer fashion handbag

Black designers strutted their stuff as they showcased their creations for the spring and summer 2003 season. Like their counterparts, they offered some designs that were extravagant and over the top, while others were toned down to the point that you could imagine yourself wearing them. Fabrics ranged from sheer silk chiffons to comfortable cotton, from hand-painted to embroidered and batik looks. One designer presented an eye-catching ensemble of crocheted knit, while another fashioned an ensemble of colorful blossoms and banana leaves. Colorful leather accents also were popular on the runways. With their spring/summer collections, African-American designers continue to show that they have what it takes to command attention on the world fashion stage and capture the hearts of fashionable women who want to stand apart from the masses.

One-shoulder sundress in orange, pink and yellow tones has ribbed knit bodice and dropped waist over full, calf-length skirt. Note: Large yellow sunflower on shoulder. Accessorized with clear sandals. By Bill Witherspoon.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Far left: Color-washed, double-breasted trench coat in blue tones is tied at waist and has oversized lapels and patch pockets of blue leather. Accessorized with multi-strand necklace with orange stones. By D. Pollard & Don Te Jer.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sexy sheer halter-neck gown in bright yellow with orange abstract floral pattern by Dean Croom has decolletage, high split on one thigh and detached sleeves.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Francis Hendy lit up the runway with this colorful ensemble of blue multicolored, double-breasted jacket with bright floral pattern, worn over red leather miniskirt. Accessorized with red beaded necklace and red boots.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

For Sisters with a more earthy sense of style, Shehar Peerzhada offers an ensemble with below-the-knee, scoop-neck white tunic worn over loose-fitting pant, topped with scoop-neck, long-sleeve duster in black-and-white geometric ethnic pattern.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Left: Soft and sexy is the mood when wearing this pretty yellow gown with spaghetti straps and tiers of large flounces cascading from hips to ankles. By B. Michael.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Left: For a more casual look, D. Pollard & Don Te Jer design two-piece white ensemble with zip-front, blouson jacket with embroidered accents and below-the-knee straight skirt. Both jacket and skirt are splashed with orange color blocks and patch pockets.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Top right and right: Two ensembles created by D. Pollard & Don Te Jer sport the batik look. Cropped top with spaghetti straps is paired with dropped-waist, botton-front skirt with asymmetrical hemline. Blue tube-tunic is anchored with chain-and-ring shoulder strap, with chain and ring detail repeated in gathered bodice. Multicolored, asymmetrical skirt picks up blue tone.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Right: Lady Enyce continues tradition of cutting-edge sportswear with white jeans worn with white zip-front athletic jacket trimmed in black and pink.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Below: For the bold and daring, Bill Witherspoon offers an ensemble with midriff top made of colorful blossoms and greenery, worn over skirt of banana leaf-like cutouts lined in animal print.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Left: Hot pink crocheted halter column gown has white arrow pattern on bodice and trumpet bottom. Accessorized with matching crocheted handbag and cap. By Willie Shanks.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Right: Get in the mood for a tropical getaway in Francis Hendy's hand-painted ensemble that pairs cropped halter top with full, long skirt. Accessorized with beaded necklace.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

COPYRIGHT 2003 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group