If you look at the fashion runways from Paris to New York you will see that Spring '95 marks the return of the dress.
And designer Donna Ricco is doing the dress as well as anyone. She has six separate looks that are all sure to be popular.The side wrap dress creates a beautiful silhouette to flatter almost every figure; the waist-definition dress is pleated with a skinny belt; the classic coat dress transforms the basic `boxy' coatdress into a feminine, fit-and-flare A-line; the garden dress, with its long, ankle-length, allows for soft pleats and beautiful movement; the ultimate "Little Black Dress," reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, is a short, empire-waist style; and the "Essence of Evening"is a long, fitted black dress with a front slit.
Because Donna Ricco hails from Wisconsin rather than New York, she thinks she understands the needs and interests of the woman with a modest income who cannot spend extravagantly on her own clothing.
"These are the women I wanted to dress - the women who want to look stylish at a price they can afford without sacrificing quality and value. The reason I design dresses is because I wear dresses," says Ricco.
"When I go into my closet in the morning, I don't have time to create an outfit out of separates and sportswear pieces. Dresses offer women a refreshing option - to walk into their closet in the morning, choose one garment and then be on their way."
Active in the business since 1983, Donna Ricco designs five collections per year, each containing approximately 100 dresses.
The Donna Ricco line is sold at major department and specialty stores throughout the country, and is best known for its contemporary styling and its reasonable prices.
For Spring '95 she has assembled six head-to-toe designer looks that, when accessorized, retail for $250 or less. By using generic accessories, such as a strand of pearls or basic pumps, a woman can create a great look that can be pulled together in any corner of the country.
For day, the fit-and-flared A-line and the wrap dress signify body flattering, clean lines. Made of lightweight fabrics in muted prints, sheer checks and gingham, the dresses are easy to wear and project a noticeably feminine look.
Day dresses range from classically designed career-wear styles, such as the mock two-piece, to short empire baby-doll styles and long, sheer florals with tie-back detailing.
For evening, the dresses are more glamorous, featuring sheers and satins with matte bodies, punctuated with ribbons, covered buttons and bows. The short empire with satin ribbon and bow detailing is the same style people remember from Audrey Hepburn's classical style.
Detailing is Ricco's most important trademark, something she regularly incorporates into the back of a dress.
"I like to know that when my customer enters a room, the dress becomes a platform for her personality. When she leaves, a back flourish can create excitement and surprise."