Inexplicably, runway designers insisted on sexed-up harlots in jacked-up-to-there skirt lengths. But at Tranoi and Premiere Classe, the premiere accessories shows in Paris and key indicators of the accessories market, designers showed off impeccably crafted shoes and handbags in sensible saleable colors like cognac, carob, oxblood and black. The editorial edge was seen in rustic detailing with a distressed attic sensibility that was all classic luxury. This mood has been simmering for a couple seasons but with the dicey economic climate, designers set their sights on creating hard-to-resist artisanal pieces to push the sell-through.

Photo: Clone Spring 2003