The Milan-Paris Express : Spring Fashions Arrive With Curves and Soft Shoulders

Romance traveled with the speed of a bullet train when Europe’s designers showed their ready-to-wear for spring. From Milan to Paris, the look is soft and curvy, short and swirly, shaped to bare more skin than we’ve seen in quite a while. Karl Lagerfeld, who designs in both cities, is one of the main reasons for the heartthrob mood. On the opposite page, his romantically ruffled, black strapless gown for Chanel. At left, top to bottom, Lagerfeld’s “Italian cowgirl” look in tiered denim for Fendi; a short, black cocktail dress with glitter for his own collection; Giorgio Armani’s lingerie-look bodice with petticoat skirt. Above, Lagerfeld’s body-conscious denims for Chanel.

Sleek, slim and bare. That’s the message from Emanuel Ungaro, whose short, sleeveless linen dresses, above, are topped with swinging jackets. Above right, Azzedine Alaia’s version of cool is cut low at the neckline, high on the leg. At right, Gianfranco Ferre’s linen vest is worn over bare skin with wide pants.