AUTUMN 2006: NATURE/NOIR

Schnabl's Nature/Noir: Autumn 2006 Collection will be featured in the official opening of Macy's on State Street, which presents the 2nd Annual CHIC: Designers of Chicago. Nature/Noir exudes minimalism with clean lines, silk accents, and soft unusual edges such as in the Liza sleeveless top pictured at left. The beautiful sheen of this top is highlighted in the diagonal ruching that cascades down one side of the body. Becoming the most popular piece of this collection is the unique Anna tube top, made of a rich, espresso boiled wool: a strapless bodice that zips on one side with an attached open hood that can be worn either softly encasing the neck, or gently draped off the shoulder. As one's eyes sweep around the Virginia skirt, one finds a clean straight front and, in the back, a surprising fullness of graceful black fabric flowing along a scooping hem. Unique garment construction embraces the stimulating contrast between clean stark lines and the soft sensuous rippling of blossoms and leaves.

Retail price points range from $198 for tops, to $250-$350 for skirts and pants, to $450 for dresses. This collection is available in Chicago at Macy's and HABIT, in New York City at Lingo, and online at www.mightyflirt.com.