The Spring Collections were a celebration of what it means to be a woman -- feminine, self-assured and dynamic. This season's newest fabrics veiled the female body in diaphanous, alluring fabrics and effortless, sexy silhouettes. Colors were soft and sophisticated -- nude, celadon and spice -- or bold and daring like tangerine and lime.

"This spring promises to be an exciting one if what we saw on the New York runways is any indication. A fresh array of fabric, colors and textures had a strong impact on the direction of each and every major designer -- very self-indulgent and very modern," said Nina Altschiller, General Manager Marketing Communications for The Wool Bureau. "Our most innovative and unique fabrics -- Cool Wool, sheer wool and Wool plus Lycra -- were utilized as never before to create some of the most beautiful looks of the season, from whimsical wool knit swimsuits to slim stretch-wool pantsuits to sheer wool evening dresses."

The results of the American designers' ingenuity are intriguing. Here's a brief recap of what to watch for:

• Ethnic Dressing: Exotic garments featuring embroidery, tribal prints, Mandarin collars and eclectic jewelry.

• Asymmetrical Silhouettes: One-shoulder tops and dresses, and hankie and fishtail hems.

• Stretch Fabrics: As seen in leggings, suits, layered and diaphanous T-shirts, and clingy skirts.

• Pantsuits: Racy slim-cut pantsuits in bold and modern colors.

• Knits: Slinky jersey tube skirts, crocheted tops and pull-over sweaters.

• Lingerie: Transparent fabrics, slipdresses, petticoats, bloomers, corsets, lace baby dolls and lace teddies.

• Dance: Ballet slippers, leotards, leggings, bodysuits, Flashdance-style tunics, ballroom skirts and dancers' wrap sweaters.

Women can praise the American designers for successfully giving them what they desire -- clothes that are simple, wearable, attractive and real. And one more reason to look forward to spring. (NAPSI)