RUNWAY TO REALITY : Catalogue of a Dior Replica

Working girls who favor Paris labels take note: Christian Dior has designed this soignee black crepe pantsuit trimmed in red with a red lapel and worn with a red grosgrain ascot.

In the United States, the suit retails for $3,985. (In Los Angeles, you can find a skirted-suit version of this look at I. Magnin for $2,750, the matching pants are $980.) The model is holding a black cashmere coat, $4,770, that is available at the new Christian Dior boutique on Rodeo Drive. The three pieces of Christian Dior will cost a total of $8,755, not including the accessories, which are available at the Rodeo Drive boutique, which opens today.

Dior wanna-bes, take note: Here is the replica look, straight from the pages of J. Crew’s fall catalogue. The slim-fitting cotton jacket in black with five pewter buttons is $128; the narrow pants are $58. J. Crew has a new retail store in South Coast Plaza, or to place a phone order, call the toll-free number (800) 562-0258. The black melton wool coat held by the model is from the Limited for $210. The three pieces total $396. If you want the accessories, the Jackie O-versized sunglasses, about $100, are by Michele Lamy and sold at Traction Avenue in the Beverly Center, Los Angeles. The black leather pumps from Perry Ellis, $135, the claret silk blouse by Liz Claiborne, $136, and silver button earrings, $15, are from Bullock’s in the Beverly Center. The black pigskin gloves, $36, are from J. Crew.