MILAN, Feb 23, 2005 FW/ --- As every season with Dirk Bikkembergs, the audience never knows what to expect. Set at the historic Principe Savoia hotel in Milan, the collection was set in a ball room where the runway was lined with chandeliers. Such an elegant setting for an initial sport guru designer.

Evidently Bikkembergs likes his men sporty and his women sexy fem. For next season the Bikkembergs female will be all about knits. Wild, crazy and big knit scarves, hats and jumpers jump-started this winter collection.

Models looked as if they were ready for an Artic winter draped in heavy wool knits and ankle warmers. The look was of course finished with shiny sexy skin tight hot pants.

Tailored suits and jackets in black and brown made their way down the catwalk revealing cleavage and often belly buttons. The suits shown can be styled for day or night. A navy horse riding inspired suit was well tailored with a ruffle back bustle on the jacket.

Some of the suits were trimmed in the Olympic red, white and blue stripes. These same stripes were splashed on hand bags as well. Gold bulky charm bracelets were a main accessory throughout the collection.

The same charms from the bracelets were accessorized on Bikkembergs gowns. These succulent gowns were floor length with low cut backs in a deep bronze and rich lavender.

As well tailored suited male models escorted female models down the runway, the voice of Frank Sinatra serenaded us with “Strangers in the Night”.

What a fitting song for such a diverse designer that can design cleats as well as ball room gowns for a dainty duchess.

Dirk Bikkembergs

Dirk Bikkembergs

Dirk Bikkembergs

Dirk Bikkembergs