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ABOVE: Nanette Lepore is uncompromising in her vision. RIGHT: Cynthia Steffe black satin baseball (bomber) jacket with matching flounce skirt. BELOW LEFT: Cynthia Steffe ivory, floral printed cargo blazer over fringe waist, tiered gauze skirt. BELOW CENTRE: Cynthia Steffe lace-up bandeau, fringed macrame, tiered skirt. BELOW RIGHT: Cynthia Steffe cherry tweed hand-crochet sweater over red denim jogging shorts. BOTTOM LEFT: Cynthia Steffe embroidered netted blouse over black denim slouch pant. BOTTOM RIGHT: Cynthia Steffe bias-cut laser-stripe sweatshirt over black satin cargo, capri pant. BOTTOM FAR RIGHT: Cynthia Steffe spring–summer 2003.

   Most designers in this mode, like Nanette Lepore, pick their preferences carefully by adding and subtracting the established looks from past decades. They include, minis, hot pants, peplums, polka dots, stripes, floral prints, pastels, eyelet, hand knits, embroidery, keyhole necklines, crinolines, fuller hair, ponytails, boots and clunky shoes.
   Lepore, who sells internationally, appeals to a wide audience with sometimes startling combinations. Mixing disparate pieces is an art form that Lepore has clearly mastered, sometimes ignoring commercial appeal and wearability, in an uncompromising statement of her own unique vision. This designer has succeeded in bringing the polka dot back to its former ’40s’ popularity. Her signature dot dress combines a keyhole neckline, with a fitted high waist that represents the best of retro design, now a classic in its timelessness.

Bailey’s photographs of Brigitte Bardot and Jean Shrimpton inspired Cynthia Steffe’s looks of young beauties unaware of their sensuality

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