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story Maureen Scott  The chunky, shapeless ankle-length sweater coat has evolved into a sexier, thinner, body-defining knit with a trendy hip-length asymmetrical hemline. The vintage Jackie O scalloped sweater set has been upgraded to wide grey and black stripes. Knit dresses have really ramped up with colour blocking and abstract prints. If you want to update your wardrobe for fall, look no further than a sexy, modern knitted item. “Knits, from cardigans to longer length tunic styles, are staples for fall and will take you into winter with style,” says Anna Mattiuzzo, Public Relations for Laura Canada. “Beyond the sleekness of the classic black turtleneck, this season’s collection of knits range in length, colour and style, reinterpreted in a multitude of looks ranging from lushly glamourous to sporty. “Materials range from viscose nylon to fool-proof acrylic blends for comfort, plus easy maintenance. Experiment pairing your knits with a belt, one of the strongest accessories for fall.” she says. While the ever-popular colours of fall remain dominant—mocha, brown and burnt orange, Anna says varying shades of plum are the trend for the cooler months. Jordan Ribkoff, Owner of GEMS Ladies Fashions in Port Credit says to watch for two new signature colours in the Joseph Ribkoff line for fall—Chestnut (a rich, dark brown) and Lollipop (a sexy red). “Lollipop, fuchsia, Chestnut, pewter plus grey and black are big for fall, “says Jordan. His father, renowned Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff, has designed a stunning collection of must-have sweater coats for the cooler months. Two standout pieces include a black knee-length coat with red and black abstract detailing, and another that’s inset with a fuchsia abstract print (see top of page). “The heavier ribbed-knit sweater coat is cozy and warm, yet it is cut closer to the body to accent a woman’s curves,” says Jordan. “The black knit Joseph Ribkoff dress inset with a fuchsia, black and grey abstract print is what we call a silky knit. It falls beautifully on the body.” If anyone knows how to dress for any occasion, whether it’s interviewing designer Valentino backstage at a Paris runway show to meeting the First Lady Michelle Obama, it is our own Jeanne Beker, Host/Producer of Fashion Television. In September 2010, her clothing collection called EDIT by Jeanne Beker was launched exclusively at 65 Bay stores across Canada including The Bay at Square One, Erin Mills Town Centre and Sherway Gardens. The EDIT by Jeanne Beker collection features skirts, pants, blouses, an expanded line of Jeanne jeans, reinvented retro looks like Jeanne’s favourite faux shearling aviator jacket and sleeveless pea coat, plus a selection of knitwear. Highlights of the fall/winter collection include a 100% wool cape in black or stone, a rounded hem stone knit jacket, a knee-length wool blend sweater coat with nubby detail on the collar and cuffs and a trendy black and charcoal striped viscose/cotton blend top that looks chic when worn with EDIT cigarette pants. Says Jeanne, “This season it’s all about a play on textures with sumptuous knits and the elegance of simple lines that speak of minimalist modernity.”  GL

Abstract print in the season’s hottest colour combination of fuschia and cobalt blue on black knit background sweater coat by Joseph Ribkoff Available at Gems Ladies Fashions in Port Credit