Fashion Week Basks in Success of Dress

Fashion Week Basks in Success of Dress
New York Fashion Week is basking in the success of the dress. It's already been a strong item for fall fashion, but it has emerged as the key piece for spring.

Tom Julian, director of trends for McCann-Erickson, said spring 2007 is taking its cue from a classic Audrey Hepburn look - with A-line shapes and minimal luxe fabrics - but adding a bit of a " Paris Hilton personality" with strapless tops and other sexy accents.

Shoppers will have their pick of dress silhouettes, since so many versions have been offered, including shifts, sacks, wraps, sundresses and halters.

Other things that have caught Julian's eye are trench and trapeze coats, blouses, walking shorts, miniskirts and even bold distinctive accessories.

"The checklist? The chemise, the cropped boxy jacket, the bell skirt, the angel sleeve blouse, an eyelet something," he said Wednesday.

Anna Sui: Sui took her audience to a bizarre "Alice in Wonderland" tea party that was crashed by some punk pirates.

Sounds about right for Sui, who relishes in her role as fashion's rebellious rocker chick, and her clothes reflected that.

Many of the outfits were still wearable, even the unlikely pairing of a pretty black embroidered organza dress with a ripped mesh top.