Gingham has a certain place in fashion as a particularly American fabric, associated with little girl's dresses and drapes in Early American playrooms. Gene brings a new sophistication to white and orchid gingham with a playful silhouette involving a balloon of crisp cotton fabric cinched by a fitted, black 'patent leather' belt. Black and cream wedgies of the same 'patent leather' and a black crocheted snood complete the play-suit designed for the girl with designs on the boys overseas. Gene wears a pearl bracelet with matching earrings and carries a white monogrammed towel. The big news: Gene's first deep, golden suntan, (enhanced by the studio makeup department of course).

            

There must be some place... some time... some occasion... beautiful enough to wear this gown: perhaps in a garden with the moonlight reflecting in Green Eyes. A fitted bodice of silver satin is spangled with translucent sequins beneath a sweetheart neckline ringed with matching silver ribbon and tied with a sumptuous bow in the back. The full layered-tulle skirt is a rainbow of pastel hues, combined to resemble nothing so much as the fragile surface of a child's soap bubble. Long silver blue gloves and embroidered shoes are the details of this ensemble, as 'diamonds' at the ears and a 'diamond' bracelet are the jewelry. This dream of a dress brings the spotlight with you and makes the moon your balloon wherever you go. Green eyes, silver moon, perfection.

         

"Bright Day" is the day you wear this loveliest of afternoon looks: a perfect print frock of impeccable cut and flawless proportion. A clever neckline of rose-pink draped chiffon tucks inside a structured, short-sleeved bodice of printed cream satin, and is clipped mid-point with a 'diamond' broach. A dramatically cut full skirt is borne aloft by spring breezes and a crisp crinoline above pale pink and cream pumps with matching cream bag. Short white gloves, pearl necklace and earrings, and a fresh ribbon-trimmed straw hat are the finishing touches for this "Bright Day."

         

Like the licorice-flavored liqueur made by the Italians, our "Sambuca" is a confection both sweet and intoxicating. A plunging, portrait neckline of sheer licorice-black lace is bound at the fitted shoulders and three quarter length sleeves with the most diminutive of black bows. The lace-covered sweetheart bodice tapers to a tiny waist and explodes into a full skirt, devised of row after row of frothy black lace over tulle over taffeta. The most sophisticated of cocktail looks, "Sambuca" is a vision, waiting to happen in silhouette. The jewelry is a duo of bracelets, diamond and pearl, matching the elegant portrait earrings and lavish necklace. The accessories are black satin pumps and a tiny black clutch purse, making this one cool drink from head to toe.