Traditional Is Key Word in Fall Collection

Alan Austin likes to call the Beverly Hills women’s clothing store bearing his name “an institution.”

“We’re dependable. I haven’t been in a bank in 20 years to borrow money,” said Austin, whose shop occupies 8,000 square feet on Brighton Way.

The tall, graying retailer plunges just as confidently into the subject of his fall collection, which he recently showed to customers. The largely traditional line relies on lightweight wools, silks and skins, with dresses priced from $400.

“The point is not to be too far out or too far in,” said Austin, who designed much of the collection.

Using several color groupings--including red with olive, black with white, pink with gray and rust with brown--Austin presented a snug, knee-length silhouette and a selection of full, pleated skirts with blazers. He also used leathers, suede and snakeskin in suits and sportswear.

Austin said he aims his fall clothes at the consumer who wants a variety of separates from which to devise her own styles. But as the season progresses, the retailer said he finds strongest consumer response to black and white combinations, and to above the knee hemlines.