Sweeping Statements

Well into the decade, suits continue to soften up, with rounder silhouettes fashioned out of fluid fabrics. New York designer Joseph Abboud uses crepe gauze, cashmere, tweed and twill in a neutral palette for fall, cutting them on the bias for greater movement. Pants flow like skirts, and asymmetrical jackets billow gracefully. “The clothes carry that sense of the ‘90s being about texture,” Abboud notes. “They are more modern, as opposed to being so architectural, with the emphasis on the fabrics being more organic.”

Gentlemen’s Habits

Davidoff, Dunhill and Dupont. No longer for old fogies, stogies are being lit up by an increasing number of men in their 20s, 30s and 40s. “Interest in cigars has more than doubled in the last year,” says Manjit Bain, owner of the Tinder Box in Crystal Court, Costa Mesa. Much of the credit goes to the high gloss mag Cigar Aficionado. As with all hobbies, the various accouterments that go along with smoking a cigar are also hot. Businessmen flash their leather or silver carrying cases every time they open their brief cases. And exquisitely made cigar holders, pluckers and cutters enhance the experience. Before you take it up, consider this: accessories--as well as cigars--can cost into the hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Southwest Face

“The big fashion items in American Indian jewelry are watches crafted with semi-precious nuggets,” says Ron Cohan, owner of Zia Jewelry in San Juan Capistrano. Strands of lapice, turquoise, coral, malachite and amethyst wrap around the wrist like a bracelet. Usually decorative parts of watchbands only surround the face. Made by Navajos in New Mexico, the watches range from $139 to $300.

Different Strokes

Street wear line Gypsys & Thieves has come out with a Tee that states boldly in simple type “Taggers Suck.” Designer Luis Pulido apparently doesn’t fear alienating his customers. The label, a.k.a. GAT, is donned by many of the very kids who tag. But says Pulido: “It’s selling to two groups.” One is anti-graffiti. The taggers themselves, however, “see it as a joke. They’re tired of seeing everyone exploit their ‘art.’ ”