Elle Spring/Summer

Elle Activewear is one of the most talked about and fastest growing labels in the fashion industry. Launched less than two years ago it is now available throughout the UK and all over Europe.

For Spring / Summer 1998, there is the 'sports' collection featuring more performance fabrics and a tennis wear range. This collection consists of an interesting mix of knits and woven looks, an enlarged swimwear collection and the launch of an underwear collection.

Andrew Marc Debi Slate Compression Pant

Teflon coating has been used for feather weight, shower proof jackets which are either cropped or scooter length with a nipped in waist. In black, canary yellow or royal blue details include; black and white ribs, zips, contrasting mesh linings and reflective logo badges.

Blue Windowpane Linen Trousers

There is a wider choice of trouser than ever before - The jazz pant continues to be a best seller, "go faster" stripe leggings are always popular but look too for the new palazzo pants and the sporting trouser which has zip details at the ankle with mesh inserts.

For those who like their logos obvious there is the chicest insignia cropped crew sweater but there are many other styles and shapes where the logo is simply a small and discreet tape sewn into a seam. Stripes, either random or all over have been used in abundance in T-shirts and sweatshirts but there are lots of plains too in lilac, aqua, white and black. Cotton knits, shorts, T-shirt dresses and baseball caps all combine to make this the best active wear collection to date.

SWIMWEAR

The swimwear collection which was introduced for Summer 1997 with a few pivotal pieces was a sell-out and has been vastly extended since then and now includes seven separate groups.

Tops and bottoms are always sold individually to cater for size and personal preference but these are not ordinary, basic shapes. There are diving tank tops, sports halter tops, underwired shapes, a balconette and bandeaux. Bottoms range from the minimal through to boxer shaped and modern. Stripes are again important: royal and turquoise chevron, pastel cotton black/white, orange or turquoise and white or, very chic, orange and chocolate brown sunray stripes.

Mesh has been used most effectively for a small group in white aqua, lilac and black, either as panels or all over shorts, vests and a really cute sarong. Accolade, however must go to the fishnet section where the long dress and tunic will be seen on the best beaches.

UNDERWEAR

Previously only sold exclusively through Debenhams and now available to all retailers, has all the hall marks of the active range - in terms of fit, design content and quality. In black, white, pale grey and soft blue cotton, bras, vests, numerous style of knickers and bodies are sporty but still sensuous.

SLEEPWEAR

Lacy night-dresses and negligees are not what the Elle girl wants to wear. Instead she will go to bed in the soft cotton, simple style T-shirt night-dresses, wrap style robes, polo style pyjamas and the shorts and cami set. "Comfort" is the key word to be used for the sleepwear collection in lilac, white and lemon.

TENNISWEAR

Every fashionable tennis playing woman will breathe a welcome sigh of relief when she sees the new tennis wear collection - brand new for Spring 1998. Heavy twill in black and white, with a high lycra content and contrasting monochrome binding have been used for V-neck dress and tops, wrap skirts and sleeveless, polo style dresses. Pique chevron stripes, also in black and white will add glamour to any tennis match whilst the cotton group in black, white and lagoon blue has mesh panelled jackets and shorts for that extra "Je ne sais quoi!"

The range encompasses clothes for a lifestyle - for today's woman who knows exactly what she wants and how and where to get it. She knows her own mind, she looks after her body, works hard at whatever she does and above all wants to look great.