But where did it all begin? Well, according to a new booklet created by e style, the catalog for African-Americans, the roots of contemporary styles reach back as far as ancient Egypt. Egyptians used their native flax to fashion linen loincloths for men and rectangular sheaths for women. The weaving process used by the ancient Egyptians led to the development of the horizontal loom, which is used to weave many of the cloths found throughout Western Africa.

The practice of draping beautiful lengths of uncut cloth around the body was the basis for traditional African dress throughout much of the continent. By the 10th and 11th centuries, when traders and scholars began to venture south of the Sahara, sarongs were dyed in vibrant shades of red, yellow and blue. White paint or ivory bangles also were worn to provide a brilliant contrast to deep black skin.

In much of Africa, clothing came to symbolize different life stages. Babies were naked until they received the "skin apron" of childhood. Adolescence was marked with a small loincloth. With marriage, women wore large skirts. And, as an individual climbed in status, he or she wore more layers of cloth and more jewelry. As time went on, Africans embellished their simple garments by adding beautiful sashes, fringe and beads.

While traditional African dress is fading into folk costume, many African-Americans are drawn to those same bold colors, geometric patterns and flowing shapes, which today are re-interpreted into modern silhouettes. For many, wearing these styles is a way of showing pride in their African heritage.

Today, African-American women are finding great fashion options in the e style catalog, a joint venture between Ebony magazine and Spiegel. Lori Scott, co-creator of the catalog, reports, "the whole idea behind e style was to offer African-American women fashions '‘that speak their body's language.' That means fashions that meet their style preferences and fit needs, as well as incorporating some traditional African motifs."

For Spring '96, e style offers lots of great colors, particularly in the warm, earthy, sun-kissed range. The newest pale is periwinkle, which looks especially sophisticated in tailored suits and dresses for day or evening. Black-and-white combinations appear in modern geometric patterns or in African-inspired batik and wood-cut prints.

e style uses lots of new and luxurious fabrics in its Spring '96 collection. Look for shimmery iridescent tunics, pants and decorated jackets. Textured fabrics with a handcrafted feel, such as washed linens, textured rayons, crinkle and crochet, add a warm "human touch." Decorated fabrics feature gold-embroidered African symbols, beading and appliques.

Twists on fashion classics give e style fashions a fresh edge this season. Examples include a pea coat done in white leather and cropped or a basic trench coat rendered in iridescent ivory nylon. And since the e style customer loves hats, the newest catalog offers iridescent straw hats in brilliant colors as well as funky hats for the younger customer.

This season, e style offers all the newest looks for African-American women who want to celebrate their cultural history with fashions that are right for today. For a free copy of the new e style booklet, which contains information on hair-care and skin-care, makeup tips and fashion for African-American women, and a copy of the e style catalog for Spring '96, call 1-800-2-e-style, and ask for offer #F5260. (NAPSI)