Spring 2002: Dressy and Colorful
For Spring 2002, a more diversified approach to dressing will be the norm. Men are once again adding suits to their wardrobe, as well as dressier sports jackets and casual slacks, according to David and Giuseppe Cotugno, owners of Davide Cotugno Executive Tailors on Mill Rd. in Brecksville, Ohio.

“Partly because of the slower economy and partly because a greater sophistication and urbanity have taken the imagination, men's clothes are decidedly luxurious this time around. Slimming silhouettes, fine fabrics, and plenty of details are in store for men’s styles for spring.” David observed.

“After consulting with my fellow clothiers in The Custom Tailors & Designers Association of America, we have come up with a Top Ten list for Spring 2002. These are the looks and details we predict will dominate the custom garments we create in the season ahead,” Cotugno noted.

The Top Ten List for Spring 2002:

1. Dressier, dark suits in two-button single-breasteds and two on-six double- breasteds in modern interpretations of classic: subtle stripes and checks will be seen not merely in traditional white and cream, but in subtle shades of raspberry, pale yellow, kelly green, and peacock blue, on grounds of charcoal, navy. and dark brown.
   
2. The return of the blazer, not only in classic navy, but in brighter shades of blue, hunter green, camel, and chocolate as well.
   
3. Brown and blue are the colors for spring season. Browns include the full range from ecru, sand, and cream to tobacco and espresso. Blues are in shades from sky and Riviera to ink and midnight.
   
4. Midnight blue is the best color for tuxedo and tropical worsted is the fabric. If you already have one, add a cream gabardine dinner jacket.
   
5. Double-breasted sport coats for a dressier than casual look, particularly in discreet Windowpane patterns, are important.
   
6. Cutting-edge silhouettes are slimmer and streamlined, with narrow lapels and trousers (flat-fronts are younger looking). The two-button single breasted coat with slightly higher button stance is THE model. A peak lapel single-breasted jacket, on sports coats and suits, is the most elegant style of the season.
   
7. SPRING FABRICS Fabrics for Spring are decidedly luxe: lightweight worsted cashmere; crisp linen; silk blended with cotton, wool, linen, or baby mohair; and Super gabardines.
   
8. UNCONSTRUCTED IS OUT — that look just isn’t dressy enough anymore -but minimal construction, with small, natural shoulders, no chest piece, and subtle shaping in the coat. Trousers are slimming in the leg with either a single - pleat or flat front. Soft, sleek, and slim are the silhouette signs of dress today.
   
9. SHIRTS are decidedly different with checked patterns and stripes making a big return; The return of the formal look with cufflinks and a wider spread collar show how the English influence is translated into an upscale, exciting Italian fashion.
   
10. TIES Prepare to wear ties again. As people return to a
    more serious look at work, the necktie is making a huge comeback after an industry drop in sales of over 24%. Subtle small patterns in yellows, oranges and sherbert colors are seen next to big bold stripes in a waterfall of colors meant to lift us all up from the doldrums of those winter blues.