A GROWING number of menswear designers are helping to dissolve the con- servative myth of the West Coast male. Ca Grenna FASHION STATEMENTS Many well-respected European and American designer labels are now available in’ Vancouver stores, which are all heavily load- ed with style. International menswear collec- tions are showing several new trends. Here are some notable looks for the season in a riutshell. Surprise! Forecasts say that comfort is in. Would a man seitle for any- thing less? Relaxed ease is shown ‘n the fabrics chosen, which are cotton and cotton/viscose blends and linen or linen-like textures. The strong trend toward denim influences other fabrics such as canvas and burlap, which get sim- ilarly faded, washed and worn- looking. Bright colors continue to be popular in primary colors and soft bright shades that look like they used to be bright, but you have washed them a lot. Top colors are lime, aqua, olive, chive, turquoise, petrol blue, lemon, orange, mauve and purple. Checks, stripes and plaids seem to be around for good. They get different variations and fancy weaves, In weekend wear, style is taken from the streets. Jeans are, of course, shown ev- erywhere, but: jean and jean- jacket shapes are done in lots of other fabrics that are structured, tike denim, or are not, in knits. Big, long shorts and cuffed bermudas will be in every man’s wardrobe if they aren’t already, as will casual pull-on pants with drawstring or elastic waists. Jackets are longer and unstruc- tured, and ‘a safari influence is see in field jackets and cargo vests. Sleeveless jackets and shirt jackets also make an appearance. Shirts are still relaxed in fit, but are getting narrower, and more fitted knit tops are available for — those fashion-forward enough to wear them. Business-wear fabrics haven't changed much for spring. Cool wool is still the best choice, and linen and silk are shown in the more expensive lines. Viscose, which is both natural and manmade .because it is made by man with natural cellulose fibres, is used everywhere and is usually blended with either wool, cotton, linen or silk. The fabrics get tiny, subdued patterns (called micro-patterns) to give them more life, and checks and solids are mixed in a variety of looks. Even sophisticated clothing shapes for men are becoming more and more relaxed, Suits with light construction and unconstructed jackets and pants are new. The toned-down silhou- ette shows jackets that are slightly longer, with more rounded shoulders, still being pushed, ; ° . See Men's page 17 SHIRTS ARE still relaxed in fit, but are getting narrower, and checks and solids are mixec; in a variety of looks. FOR MEN'S business wear this spring, cool wool Is still the best choice, and linen shown in the more expensive lines. Here, from Mondo di Marco, a houndstooth lin is worn with a 100% linen shirt and cotton/viscose tripie-pleat pant. . ASK W: Grodunted 1958 from the International Fabricare Institute in Siluerspring, Maryland. Q: Wayne, can you explain what these care labels mean? «Please accept this interna: # tional symbol guide as a han- dy reference when caring for your clothes: * Dryclear, tumble at * Da not low safe deyclean femperature (yeliow) © Use petro- leum or fluorocarbon only. . Underline indicates jgensitives 1 luce cycle andjor heat © Underline indicates “sensitive. Reduce o,sle v heat. Watch for the care labels on ironing next week! CAROUSEL CLEANERS Outside location between Canada Trust & Woodward's Mon-Wed. 6:30 to 630pm Seb ea cate Sunday 12:00 to 5.00pin 922-4811 Park Royal North Visit Our New Location: Dollar Shopping Centre 929-4890 © Dryclean (green) Were anes penstorteboer ae ay emeaeserniaeesanttl gateet 1990 Bitcon useea tng Serraino iin JA 434D en/viscese blazer MODEL 344LE. e 14 Built-in stitches ® Free arm ihe Auto-stop bobbin winder. ® Colour coded stitch ~ selection —_ » Built-in accessory box and . carrying handle VALUE PRICED $299% Reg *500 3-4 Thread Overlock « Electronic Control e Differential Feed ¢ Quick Rolled Hem © Dial Stitch Width and silk are