The floodlights strewn across the city sky gave signal that the "2003 Instituti di Natali Fall Fashion Preview" was about to commence. Elegantly held at the Chicago Amphitheater, Gapers' Block was fortunate enough to snag one ticket and sent me as their press representative to the event. Anyone who was anyone was in attendance and I did my best to fit in with the socialites, stalactites, glamourati, heiresses and Yorkies.

Fig1. The Instituti de Natali, downtown Chicago, ca. 1924.

Before the show, I had the chance to speak with designer Jacques Club of Uomo Uomo. "The woman of today no longer wants excessive fashion," he said. "She's looking for something delicate and practical. I went with that and the end result is my fall line," said Club. And boy, did he ever!

The models walked down the runway in dresses adorned with cascading sheets of what appeared to be a new gossamer fabric in white. Some were quilted, some had intricate flower designs and some were even scented. Tres chic!

Fig2. Jacques Club's incredible dress.
(Uomo Uomo, $1500.)

Taking its cue from Uomo Uomo, Maison du Merde rose to new levels, and people rose to their feet applauding the look that brought down the house. In collaboration with "Reliables," the makers of adult protective underwear, the head designer at the Maison du Merde, the brilliant Azasi, created the "Urbanwear" line. "People who wear our clothes are on the go, they have busy lives with little time to spare," gushed Azasi. "They don't have time for shit. It is with that in mind that our breakout fall line was created."

"It was fabulous!" raved Chicago socialite Mimi de la Dela, "The rubber, the diapers -- the rubber diapers. I can never look at a diaper again and not be moved." Hotel heiress Vikki M'Otelsix agreed. "This line just takes me back to a time in my life when I had no worries, no cares, no bowel control."

Fig3. "Urbanwear, by Azasi.
(Maison du Merde, $450.)

For two hours, designer after designer showed a fashion-forward savvy that made me realize trousers, bias cuts, minimalism and denim were soon to be things of the past. With my head still reeling from the fabu designs I had just been privy to, I couldn't help but wonder where the future road of fashion was truly heading.

Jacques Club added at the end of the evening, "I feel privileged that all of these beautiful people are here waiting to wear my creations." Just before entering the men's room, he sighed, "And I know that I can only continue to be further inspired." Damn skippy! Thanks Jacques and thanks Instituti di Natali for an unforgettable evening!