Sweater Dressing In The Spotlight (NAPSA)—This season fashion is putting sweaters in the spotlight, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources to make this one of the most exciting knitwear seasons in years. Op Art graphics. Sleek minimalist shapes or prep classics recast with a modern sense of proportion. Frosted pastels and sun-ripened brights straight out of ’50s movies. These are just a few of the trends that energize this season. i ba @ Bold Op Art graphics bring an architectural edge to this season’s sweaters from Designers Originals. as sweater sets, crews, cardigans Today’s twin sets have a vintage look but sport pared-down bodyflattering shapes. “In terms of inspiration, you can see leading designersrevisiting ‘great moments in fashion’ from a number of different decades,” said Olga Yurechko, vice president merchandising and design for the Designers Originals collection at Hampshire Group Ltd, one of America’s largest sweater resources. In the mix, says Yurechko, are well-bred, ladylike looks that harken back to the ’50s and clean, streamlined silhouettes that recall Halston’s monochrome ensembles. These retro looks revive country club and collegiate classics such and v-necks. While twin sets have cross-generational appeal, they are not your grandmother’s twin sets. They have a vintage look but sport pared-down body-flattering shapes—a gently contoured cardigan over a sleeveless shell. There’s also a resurgence of powerful patterns and colors that reflect sources ranging from ’60s pop culture to mid-’70s collections by Yves Saint Laurent and even early ’80s Missoni knits. Bold graphics give an architectural edge to design, while the current craze for animal prints lets womenwearthe wild things. Lighter knit weights by Designers Originals make layering work in modern, climate-controlled envi- ronments, plus they’re easier to care for, machine washable and machine dryable and endorsed by Woolite™ Fabric Wash. With so many looks to choose from and knitwearthat’s easier to wear and wash, knitwear is expected to take center stage this season. For more information, visit www.hamp.com.
