Unnerving Unmentionable Promos Unseen

An orgy of provocative new TV ads for A-Line Anne Klein (a lower-priced label launched this month) has set tongues wagging. Some people don’t appreciate the fact that they can’t see the clothes. But most don’t appreciate the focus on a woman removing her bra, a couple rolling on the floor and other such personal moments.

To date, only the spots about a dog’s past life and a nervous bride have been accepted by ABC and NBC, confirms Nancy Lueck, a vice president of public relations for Anne Klein. CBS airs the racy options, including the bra-removal scene, the floor-rolling event and an under-the-sheets episode, but only after 11 p.m. Anne Klein execs aren’t entirely surprised.

Says Lueck, “We knew we were getting into controversial ground, but we wanted people talking about our name. And they are.”

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: The movie, “Boyz N the Hood,” has tapped into a fashion trend that emerged on L.A. city streets last winter--letterman jackets as evening wear. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. sports a black one with requisite wool body and leather sleeves in “Boyz,” and already it’s sold out at Nordstrom stores.

Los Angeles designer Ron Finley created it for his Drop Dead Collecxion. The $580 statement maker flashes chenille patches emblazoned with “Drop Dead Los Angeles,” “The Thrill Can Kill” and “Fashion Slave.” Reorders will bust into stores within a month, says Finley.

THE GREEN SCENE: Before it opened this week, there was hardly a hint about what to buy at the new Fred Segal for a Better Ecology department store in Santa Monica. But it’s now open for inspection.

Here’s a partial list of the loot: pesticide-free clothes made of organically grown cotton, including jeans at a restrained $60 or less, fresh flowers, restaurant food presumably packed with environmental awareness and the Origins cosmetic line. Store owners see that as an eco-coup of sorts, since Estee Lauder was to open the first Origins shop in Cambridge, Mass., later this year. But division President William Lauder decided that Segal’s ecology concept was too good to pass up.

TEAR DOWN THE TROPHY CASE: When David (Terminator) Morse, a general partner of the California Mart, recently announced the second annual cancellation of Press Week, it signaled the demise of the California Designer of the Year and Rising Star awards. Earlier this year the Mart also abandoned its Retailer of the Year award.

Now, the prestigious De d’Or (Golden Thimble) award for haute couture appears to be in jeopardy. It was not presented this week at the Paris couture shows because the sponsor, Chaumet jewelers, withdrew financial backing.

NOT A THING TO WEAR: Does the date Sept. 12 ring any belles? That’s opening night at the Los Angeles Opera. And local specialty stores aren’t about to let you forget. Saks Fifth Avenue is presenting the Opera Collection on July 30 at the Bel-Air Hotel with over-the-top evening wear by Adolfo, Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Christian LaCroix, Arnold Scaasi and others. Neiman Marcus is bringing a gown show to town Aug. 22 through 24. I. Magnin is doing individual designer trunk shows through August, including collections by Hubert Givenchy, Mary McFadden and Carolyne Roehm.