Some see it as the “cruelest month”, but April ushers the pleasures of all seasons. It rings with the sound of girls' laughter on April's Fool, beneath April showers. It's bright sun and warmer weather turns ‘young men's thoughts to love' and opens the gates to blooming gardens, with singing birds, lazy days by sandy beaches and soft, cool evenings with summer's breezes. During wartime or peace, in turbulence or calm, through winter or summer, women's thoughts invariably turn to their wardrobes. At the start of each season they rummage and ransack every shirt, every skirt, leaving no garment unturned. With a list in hand it is time to get out the white and bright, separating the winners from the losers. To those who agonise over what to keep, what to alter what to discard and particularly what to add, to freshen up your long-hot-summer wardrobe, we offer some cool ideas. Colour is the first concern. The Panetone Organisation, the designers colour bible, has proclaimed Green as King of the season. While “it isn't easy being green”, Paris was quick to oblige with a spectacular array of summer greens. From emerald to olive, from apple-green to malachite, shades of green, blend harmoniously as they do in tropical jungles. A magnificent performance on the runways was led by Lebanese-born Elie Saab.. His superb collection of high-end elegance is splattered with fresh pastel bouquets of summer's bounty. His lady's silhouette is classy, yet savvy, simple and well-groomed, luminous and seductive. His winning article is his sequined, form-fitting gown with lace inlays that underline her feminine curves. A retro look is an active jumpsuit for a casual luncheon or afternoon- tea . Lagerfeld for Chanel revealed a longing for forest greens and a return to nature's embrace, away from the hustle and bustle of city crowds. His collection was marked by an outdoorsy spirit, ”a wonder of freshness and light”. His meadows were strewn with florets of the softest hues. Valentino's collection opens the gates to a secret garden, leading us to the enchantment and magic nature offers, which brings us to the rapture of “La Vie en Rose”. That is the second colour of the season…rosy pink, and what woman does not look good in pink! Pink comes in a million shades, from powder to pomegranate, inspiring 'Maison Dior' to don their models in multi-layered rose-buds from top to toe, emphasizing the monochromatic theme from jewelry, hand-bag and shoes in lively blush, antique, roseate, cherry, fuchsia or flush. Dior's lady is dressed with elegance and grace, taking us back to the Master's classic originals of the 50s. Think of Princess Grace, Princess Di and Audrey Hepburn, yet another princess. There can be no summer without a royal wedding of Black and White, prominent on the runways of Chanel, Balenciaga, Chloe and Oscar de la Renta. No need to fuss; a crisp, feminine white shirt, a pencil-cut black skirt is effortless and ‘tres chic'. Checkers are the ‘dernier cri', surprising all with their instant popularity. A creation of Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, they dazzle in different sizes and shades of green and white, beige and pink, grey and silver, and especially black and white. Stripes are also prominent this season, and are wider than ever. Gucci sticks to flattering ruffles and ruches refuse to go away. Plain black and plain white are a must this and every season. You can play around with accessories, but they remain refined, ageless and stylish. “Out of Africa” Safari styles exude summer energy and animal prints are back in coats, jumpsuits and every accessory imaginable, including sunglasses. Women have no desire to abandon their luggage- size handbags, despite several medium –sized, structured styles. The bag has more elongated lines in rectangular shapes, but hang on to your clutches from sunrise to sunset, in fabric, leather, fur, animal print and bedecked and bejeweled for cool, cool evenings. Pearls are the jewels of the season, according to Chanel, Celine and Giambatista Valli, on neck, ears, hair and buttons on shirts and Jackets. Hems and hemlines range from knee-length, above the knee, and way, way above the knee. This is the season of the leg and if ultra minis are not for you, how about a slit skirt for a leg-baring look. That will sit well with some factions in our society, or will it! Gladiator style shoes are getting bolder, with straps from ankle to knee, but fortunately, lady-like, single sole pumps are finding their way back to fashionistas' shoe racks Long, sleek, straight hair is history. Chop, chop, and acquire an undone bob with ragged edges, the length is up to you or keep it pulled back and neat in a ponytail or bun. We often neglect men's fashion as just a change from suit to short-sleeved shirt, but we know full well it is a multi-million- dollar business with moods, colours and styles as varied and as intriguing as women's, but there is little time and less space to cover every aspect of Fashion. Fashion is an escape from the drudgery and wickedness that surrounds us, much like movies are. Indulge, if you are in the mood, but never follow Fashion slavishly. She can be an unforgiving master. One cardinal rule to follow is, only wear what becomes you and remember what you conceal can be more seductive than what you reveal.
“Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside” Alexander Pope, (1688-1744)
