Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MILAN (AP) - Dean and Dan Caten harken to the simplicity of the techno-color 1950s and early 1960s when `'fashions were gay and colorful," for next summer's looks for women.
The DSquared2 collection, which previewed on the first day of Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday, was decidedly sexy with a wink at bygone notions of modesty. Hour-glass figures are amply rewarded here.
Many of the looks centered around the idea of swimwear _ although the fabrics and accents, including raffia, sequins and beading, were too precious to actually take a dip _ and would look swell on the frolicking girls who populated Elvis Presley's colorful beach films "Fun in Acapulco" or "Blue Hawaii."
One-piece swimsuits were laced up the back and had a short, skirted hemline. Bikinis were pure 1950s, featuring high-waisted bottoms and seductively pushed-up tops.
Both could be worn under open blousons, or short-tailored jackets with such accents as peplums and tuxedo collars. The transition from beach to boardwalk is only for the daring.
The designer twins also included strapless dresses with large, flouncy skirts that finished below the knees, and Capri pants with swingy tops.
The color pale ranged from black and white, to bright orange, turquoise and reds, and bold graphic prints.
Oversized sunglasses, sometimes with cat frames, bangles of every sort and bell-shaped raffia hats finished the looks. Shoes were sling-backs or strappy stilettos.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
