M-AppealYou can’t expect a practical-minded person to...

M-Appeal

You can’t expect a practical-minded person to design workout wear in flowery prints or pastels. And, quite frankly, you can’t expect a lot of women to break a real sweat clad in such froufrou. For women serious about exercise, there is Body from Mossimo. “It’s aggressive, gritty, with an edge,” says designer Mossimo Giannulli. His swimwear for her has been hailed for its forward style--even celebrated on the cover and pages of Sports Illustrated. His signature Body line, which debuted in the fall, is getting equal acclaim. No wonder. “We’re taking the great things from swimwear and adapting it to Body,” he adds. Pictured: top, $25; shorts, $33.

Blond Ambition

Attention fashion slaves: Stop fasting and grab that bottle of peroxide. The waif is out and full-figured blonds are in demand, says model agent Roger Canamar of Marian’s in Costa Mesa. Apparently, finicky designers are bored with simplicity and going back to glamour. Especially doing well are fair-haired males with exotic features. “I have 10 blond men and they’re all working,” says Canamar. But before you reach for the steroids, take note: “It’s not the big bodybuilder types anymore. (It’s the) well-toned, healthy bodies that are in.”

In the Bag

It took the presence of more dads taking an active role in parenting, but finally someone has created a diaper bag that isn’t covered with bunnies or bears. Weebok’s nylon bags feature fold-out changing pads, removable plastic diaper holders and plenty of pockets. “Parents today are on the move--both professionally and recreationally,” says a spokesman. “We’ve created bags that integrate with their lifestyles.” There are backpacks, totes, duffels and even executive-like attaches, priced from $38 to $50.

Acid Head

The benefits of Retin A, without the side effects? The latest rage for better-looking skin is also safer: glycolic acid. A mild percentage of it “desiccates the bonds of dead cells on the skin surface, working slowly day after day exfoliating without irritating,” notes Sylvie Hennessy, educational director of Pevonia International. “The benefits are a cleaner, smoother, healthier skin surface that’s going to let every other skin-care product work better.” Pevonia offers creams for face and hands (also with sunscreen), as well as Clarifyl, a line for adult problem skin, in fine salons and spas.