Classic contrasts: Ebony fashion fair

For summer 2006 party attire, designers have returned to classic black and white designs. Women with busy social calendars may find that to be a good thing, for you can never go wrong with the fresh elegance of classic contrasts. Paraded on the spring and summer runways were ball gowns, pantsuits and cocktail dresses in either black, white or a combination of the two. Fabrics ranged from shimmering silks to luxurious crepes to gauze and satin and crinoline and lace. Exquisite pin-tucking details were a recurring theme in gowns, dresses and even pantsuits, while many pieces were embellished with lace, ruffles, sequins, crystals or gemstones. Whether you are looking for just the right outfit to wear to a summer soiree, a special dinner or just a night out on the town, think black and white and steal the show.

Make a statement in Luca Luca's classy evening gown with black border decollete neckline, pin-tucked bodice and layers of black and white silk chiffon.

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Elegant white pantsuit combines collarless tunic jacket with drop shoulders and pin-tuck details with classic slacks. By Chado Ralph Rucci.

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Naeem Khan's keyhole harness evening gown of gauzy fabric has cummerbund embellished with elongated bugle beads and semiprecious jade stones.

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Classic ensemble pairs a lustrous collared satin wrap bolero with long sash and gathered crinoline skirt. By Aigner. Accessorized with satin platform sandals with ankle ties.

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Elegant puff-sleeved caftan-inspired evening gown with satin collar and cuffs has six-button placard, multiple-ribbon tie at neckline and sequined floral design at hemline. By Ruffian.

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Exquisite Grecian-style cream-and-black gown has ornate overlay adorned with beads, sequins and lace. By Naeem Khan.

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Fitted white cropped blouse is accented with ruffles and worn over fitted ruffled trumpet skirt. By Stephen Burrows.

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Black gown has decollete sweetheart bodice embellished with Swarvosky crystals and spiraling ruffles. Worn with long drop earrings and silver sandals. By Stephen Burrows.

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Dropped waist blouson mini sheath is adorned with oversized rosette. By Lie Sang Bong.

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White cocktail sundress has spaghetti straps and lace embellishments on bodice, cummerbund waist band and scalloped overlay. By Ygal Azrouel.

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning