The third reason is that the dress became dowdy. It just wasn't something anyone youthful and hip wanted to wear.

It seems only to be increasing in popularity, and the major reason is time. The rise and reign of Martha Stewart using all natural elements [to decorate], that's not realistic for most people.

I think one of the most interesting trends for spring is military. We saw it for fall, but for spring it's being shown with a floaty dress and I think it's made designers very creative, like, how do I do military but lighten it and make it soft?

While consumers may be a little leery of white, they don't need to be. What we're seeing is a very soft and romantic white, many times even bordering on ecru or a faded, old garment you had in white and then you go back to it and it's taken on a patina.

There were a lot of designers who did not take a chance for Fall 2005, and I think those designers are going to be braver, ... although certainly not as courageous as those who already took a chance.

take this moment to do something radically new.