Lila Collection Spring 2004

Lila is a contemporary sportswear collection of stylish, well-cut pieces that bridge the gap between work and play. These are sturdy-chic clothes that stand on their own, but mix easily into modern wardrobes.

Lila is a contemporary sportswear collection of stylish, well-cut pieces that bridge the gap between work and play. These are sturdy-chic clothes that stand on their own, but mix easily into modern wardrobes.

For its second season, Lila, by designer Pamela Capone, builds on its growing reputation for masterful tailoring and luxe, but casual, fabrics. The spring collection adds a touch of whimsy--and feminine contours--to closely-cut basics like the twill trousers that earned accolades for fall. Contrasting with pants, pencil skirts and shrunken jackets in charcoal, olive and stone, colors like mint greens, baby blues and dusty pinks help interpret the lines three different spring moments: Surf fatale; Paris femme, and Hawaiian twist.

Lilas ode to surf and sun features cottons and natural fibers that define the collection as a whole. Here the focus is on colorful batik prints worked into wearable sexy basics. The batik corset has boning to keep its shape; the baby doll bustier is embroidered in concentric circles, drawing attention to the bodice with all the swirl and energy of a riptide. Board shorts look effortlessly cool with drawstring cargo jackets. Stretch-cotton easy pants of steel blue and charcoal combine with lightweight cotton sweaters in vibrant orange or lilac.

The next group recalls a lazy afternoon in Paris; theres a romantic, disheveled feel to the clothes and a lingerie influence in the details. The signature cuts are still modern and close to the body, but ruffles, bows, or tiny covered buttons add a decidedly flirtatious edge. Shapes include an A-line tiered skirt in a fine French bi-color cotton, alternating soft blue and mint green, or petal pink and rich plum. A pencil skirt has satin piping to accentuate its shapely silhouette, and a ruffled mini skirt sports a miniature bow placed front and center. Any of the skirts find a perfect balance with edgier cropped jackets in luxe cottons.

Visible seams, stitching and darts help turn the idea of suiting inside out for Lila spring 2004, which hits its stride with gutsy, no-fuss pieces. Contoured jackets and trim skirts in durable cottons work well as a set, or can be mixed with other elements of a casual working wardrobe. The palette leans on neutrals like sand and slate, or, for menswear-influenced trousers, a herringbone cotton. The sunny colors of the surfer group make an appearance in Hawaiian-print jackets and skirts, or as irresistible floral linings. Bustier tops of the Paris femme group are made to match the suiting pieces, offering the perfect transition from work to a night on the town.