MILITARY khaki has reared it's regimental head again for summer, but thank goodness the designers have added femme' this time around. Forget the docs' and crew cut, khaki for girls should be teamed with antique pink, heels and a mane of unruly bed-head hair.

Denim has once again been ripped, stripped, cropped and customised in an attempt to add yet another pair to our already over-stuffed wardrobes. Why the designer of the jean (take note my friend Peter Golding) doesn't just introduce the year, stamped onto the back of each pair, eludes me, you'd simply have to update; a 2002 would be so last year'.

This week I found a piece of denim-labelled skirt, well I know minis are back in fashion big time this season so I guess this was the micro version, (God bless all those with micro-bottoms that can actually wear the thing). Quite frankly, if anyone were to buy it at the designer price on the tag, I think they would be entitled to ask for the rest of the jeans leg it was cut from as well.

Jeans? we are told that a dramatic change in shape is due, that the boot cut/wide leg/flare will be replaced by the drainpipe! Well, call me old-fashioned but I will be hanging onto last year's look a while longer. Not only does the drainpipe leg hang badly with most footwear but it emphasises the fuller hips and rear. Tapered may be, but avoid the tight' unless you've just signed up with Models one'.

The boys are still dropping their jeans from the hip and, while this may be cool for them with their Calvin Klein's on show, don't be fooled into thinking that builders' bum' is suddenly in fashion. For older chaps or those of a more portly physique, a more fitted jean will work far better. A slight bootleg and designer wash will knock the years off, no need to compete with Puff Daddy.

June 5, 2003 11:00