RUNWAY TO REALITY : The Night Shift

Short shifts are making a strong fashion statement for spring. And they are really short. Some could pass for tunics, to be worn over a skirt. But on runways, models wore nothing under them but beautiful, bare legs. Designer Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis ran this little show-stopper (pictured below left) down his New York runway for spring ’91. It is a sequined aqua shift, with an ice green border, guaranteed to create a sensation. But to own it requires a sizable investment. The dress will cost $1,200 at I. Magnin, Beverly Hills, when it arrives in late February.

The variation (below right) is a white shift covered with clear iridescent sequins and gold threats, with a gold Lurex border, by Los Angeles designer Kevin Clare. To imitate Jacobs’ boat-neck design, Clare’s dress is worn backward in the photograph. The actual neckline on her dress is a scoop. It can be ordered at the Alley boutique, Los Angeles, and Jonathan, Redondo Beach. The price: $325.

Jacobs showed his dress with simple, small-scale accessories made especially for him. To create the same look, consider gold hoop earrings, $2.99, and gold-link bracelets (two are worn together in the photo), $3.99 each, at ClothesTime stores citywide.