Fashion in 2003: Fresh and sexy

Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta

A romantic style is sweeping the entire fashion world. Women everywhere, in Paris, Hong Kong and Jakarta, are falling head over heels in love with gypsy-style and bohemian dresses, as can be seen in Britney Spears' video clip or what Nicole Kidman wore when she walked down the red carpet.

This is also confirmed by most leading designers. A smock that reveals shoulders is one of the most favored items -- selling like hot cakes not only at Saks department store on Fifth Avenue in New York but also in numerous stores here in Jakarta.

Now the question is whether next year's fashion will still be characterized by this style?

As the gypsy blouses -- currently still popular -- are most likely to be taken off the shelves, the world renowned designers seem to have no choice but to prepare an effective strategy for their future creations.

The world's fashion for 2003 will be entirely changed from what we see today. Famed designers at four of the most influential fashion centers -- New York, London, Milan and Paris -- have already made some decisions on next year's dress code.

It will embody three specific characteristics. First, shorter and tighter dresses that should make women appear more sexy. Second, next year's women will look more fresh due to the colorful dresses. Finally, no more plain clothes but shiny satin- like materials with rich motifs instead that are expected to make the wearer more energetic.

The major difference in the new style is that it infuses optimism and confidence due to its sexier, fresher and more youthful look, while today's romantic style tends to give the women a comparatively more gentle personality.

The 2003 international fashion and trend show held from mid- September until early October was staged amid various terrorist attacks and the issues of America's proposal to disarm Iraq. Facing such a gloomy situation that is hanging over the planet, the designers expressed their stance clearly during the event.

"Make Love Not War" was distinctly depicted as the underlying theme of the event. It was symbolized by dresses with a wide ranging bright and lively hues instead of the depressing black color that has been temporarily dominant so far.

Obviously the designers are requesting everyone to be more optimistic through their various pastel colors: powder pink, light purple, peach and soft blue. All these sweet-looking colors are combined to create a more attractive atmosphere. Yves Saint Laurent, for instance, blended powder pink with light purple.

A new energy emerged from some of the glaring colors, such as shocking pink, scotchlight yellow, bright orange and lime green. Even in Prada's dresses, shocking pink attractively "clashes" with bright orange.

Another striking difference is in the cut of the new dresses. For the past several years, women's legs have been covered with ballgowns or hipsters, but the 2003 mode is going to reveal the beauty of the legs again.

Mini dresses are back again. Though some designers are offering knee-length skirts and long dresses, but influential designers, like Tom Ford for Gucci, Prada and Versace are not giving any opportunity to any kind of long attire to appear on the catwalks.

With such reputable trend setters deciding on minis as next year's style, it means that women everywhere have to prepare a couple of short dresses and mini skirts for their stylish appearance in 2003.

In some ways it is a reflection of the 1960s. However, next year's minis are more varied. Prada and Roberto Cavalli have come up with their Chinese touch in the form of blouses and cheongsam dresses, while Gucci and Donna Karan are launching minis in kimono style, which will become one of the distinctive characteristic of next year's fashion.

Not only will women with beautiful legs be taken care of by next year's styling, as longer skirts that cover the knees are also in the pipeline. However, these newer knee-length skirts have a different cut. They are tighter at the bottom and are popularly referred to as "pencil skirts".

They can be elegantly combined with a jacket for professional women to appear sexy yet stylish. Outside work hours, the top part can be lingerie-like chemises replacing the current tank- tops.

The entire appearance becomes sexier with the models wearing high-heel shoes adorned with shoe laces that look like those of ancient Roman sandals.

Optimism also emanates from the motifs. Motifs of small flowers are used by Donna Karan for her knee-length dresses that are reminiscent of the World War II era. Some other geometrical and abstract patterns for the 1960s' miniskirts are presented in a more relaxed style.

Another unique characteristic is the emergence of shiny materials, such as satin, silk, shantung and duchesse. The new dresses are based on ideas derived from the underwear worn by Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" - a 1950 production.

Besides the elegant yet sexy gowns, next year's women will also appear more fashionable in satin short skirts worn with chemises or simple blouses for the top.

The must-have items

If you want to be fashionable next year, the following dresses and accessories are an absolute must for your wardrobe:

* Light pink or light purple blouse

* Cheongsam or kimono style blouse

* Skirt made from shiny materials, such as satin

* Knee-length "Pencil-skirt" with a jacket for work attire

* Mini dress for evening wear

* High-heel shoes with ancient Roman style laces tied above the ankle.