WE KNOW it’s dangerous to generalize. And, though fashion purveyors around the globe are guilty of it, it’s not Fair to sum up a country in one look. FASHION STATEMENTS However, after a whirlwind trip throughout Europe seeking street. style, the North Shore News is prepared to offer a quick glance at what the ‘‘typical’’ European is wearing this summer. Our advice is to digest it, distill a few ideas into your wardrobe, and then dismiss if. Here is a summary of the styles dotting the fashion street map, with highlights that stretch from Spain to Switzerland. France From Paris to the Pyrenees, fashion prevails. Strolling down the Champs Elysees, Parisiens (either by birth- right or simply by being there) wear it best. They have more of an attitude than a look. It’s a certain arro- gant confidence that is revealed in their simple, elegantly casual at- tire. It is apparent in the way they wrap a kerchief around the neck to ward off the heat, wrap several sheer shirts over a sarong, and slip a tunic over ... anything. When a Parisien is a fashion victim she wears her labels ob- viously. Whether they are four- figure designer wear or popular European and American brand names, they have signature prints, styles, logos. The more alternative fashion areas of Les Halles and the Latin Quarter give way to the aii- drogynous look. At one end there is the type who’s taken grunge to the extreme with black layers and lumberjack checks, and at the other, a more refined “Elvis Costello meets Katherine Hepburn”’ look, Travelling south to the Freneh Riviera, the scenery changes to the ultra trendy and overpriced. if it doesn't have a good label and isn’t up-to-the-minute, it isn’t worn along the Cote d'Azur. Cannes and Monte Carlo boast some of the most exclusive shops in the country, and Socals and tourists alike keep them in business. Though women wear little on the beaches in these areas, the swimwear they take off once they’ve reached the sand is astronomically priced. A sultry beach coverup, often a silk or chiffon pareo or thick cot- ton robe, is important, too. For dining, casino hopping, and star gazing at the Cannes Film Phoio submitted FASHIONS FROM Big Star (pic- tured here), Mexx, Pepe and Benetton are spotted in cafes and along the canals in the Dutch city of Amsterdam. Find out more about yourself from these. gifted channels! x bid DAVID CLOUD, AURA CAPILANO MALL Mon.-June 28-Sun. July 4 263-6524 Festival and Monte Carlo Grande Prix (which take place almost si- multancously) the dress is high fashion. Long slitted skirts, Hille | sleeveless jackets, '70s-inspired pant suits and fitted dresses that could have stepped off ef a run- way are seen here. Germany if one country has made bold strides in the fashion biz in the 90s, it’s Germany. Dusseldorf is fast-becoming the most important international centre for designers’ ready-to-wear shows, and several other cities have picked up fashion steam in the area. Heidelberg is not called the “student prince’s’’ town for nothing. It is estimated that over 75% of See ftalian page 17 SEES We've got 2 Ly Summer is so wonderful in Vancouver, There are so many neat things we can do in this city. One of my favorites is valking the seawall from Dundarave to Ambleside, especially in my new SEQUINNED running shoes which we have just received in our store. They are so cure and comfortable. Everybody loves them. rayons to fun, bright sundresses and lots of linen! So, if there’s a special event in your life this summer—from beach barbeque toa romantic wedding, visit Lesliejane for the best collections of summer. LESLIEJANE Selected itams Sale starts June 27 CHRISSY’S CHILDREN'S WEAR 026-8937 1465 Bellevue pAve.. West Vancouver wonderful collection of summer dresses and separates—from elegant sueded 1480 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 922-8612 © GPEN CANADA DAY JULY 1.