THE DALLAS LOOK BY CALVIN KLEIN

ONE THING I WANT to point out is that almost half the models in our show are Texans. Texas has beautiful women, and they mix well with our clothes.

We know there is a difference between what people wear in New York and in Dallas; you don’t have the harsh winter we do, so we don’t push hot tweeds and heavy coats for a Southwestern market. But we do offer things like an unlined cashmere coat which can be worn, even in Dallas, almost six months of the year.

The Southwest has a more informal, sports-oriented lifestyle. Our jeans and bomber jackets with the padded shoulders and narrow waists suit this attitude and serve as an illustration of our design philosophy. We feel usefulness enhances fashion, and we consider practicality in design, though not at the expense of fashion.

This fall women’s wear collection has men’s wear touches, but is not masculine. Women realize that by dressing in a somewhat masculine manner they offset their femininity, and look more natural, stronger, more engaging. I don’t think they really want to be considered “cute” or “precious” and all those other slightly condescending adjectives. These clothes suggest an understated, quiet strength, without being aggressively mannish or heavy.

Ease of dressing is also evident in the men’s wear collection. This line packs power and punch because of its colors and different styles of fabric. It suits the Dallas man because it is not a self-conscious look. Neither is it anonymous. If you want to hold attention, it is better not to be noticed immediately; the clothes everyone gushes over are the clothes everyone tires of in 15 minutes. Quiet, well-made clothes will be appreciated over the long run more than loud, assertive ones. In our line we seek quality, that most perishable aspect of fashion.