WE all know curling up on a comfy armchair with a nice cup of tea and a book are the best way to combat cold and grey winter days. The new fashions for autumn/winter 2003/2004 released in Dusseldorf in Germany are also designed to protect against chill.

　　Protection - cocooning oneself physically and mentally - is a key aspect to this trend. Sheepskins, furs, mohair, sporty velvets, fleece, lots of knits and ultra-light quilts form the "material basis" for many outfits.

　　For the next cold season, inspiration has been found in the playful elements contained in the folk costumes of mountain races around the globe.

　　Coloured embroidery from the Tyrol, Balkans and from the Andes cheerfully border on operetta-type kitsch. Characters from period movies have inspired mystical, romantic silhouettes and details.

　　The "high-flyer" theme - not only for this season - is sport. Thanks to its influence, a casual look will remain the principal fashion role model here. Cool elegance for female connoisseurs and admirers appears only on the sidelines.

　　The multitude of themes and inspirations makes one thing perfectly clear: fashion continues to be a work of varied styles.

　　Again, the season will feature outfits primarily composed of attractive co-ordinated separates. Tone-on-tone or monochrome colour combinations keep this melting pot of styles together and ensure a look that is not too loud.

　　Colours focus on very pale naturals and mysterious darks such as midnight blue, espresso brown, black and dark purple. Other colours pick up on the previous season's warm whiskey and leather tones in conjunction with red.

　　On the wild side - jackets, waistcoats, pullovers, bags and boots worn by herdsman serve as models. White, cream and wintry pale beige hues in conjunction with sheepskin, polar skin, shaggy furs and plenty of quilts conjure up polar expedition gear.

　　Simply sport - jogging pants and hooded shirts graduatesintostrendy items for the high fashion. "Zen sport" confronts us with asymmetrical wrap-over forms and kimono cuts in shiny jersey or quilted matelasse. narrow stretch shirts and zip-up jackets will be among the season's highlights.

　　Fantasy - this theme sets no limits to decorative opulence featuring Hungarian cross-stitching motifs, Romanian flower tendrils, embroidery and braiding on new dresses, blouses, pullovers and skirts. Radiant with warm colours, cashmere and floral designs are combined with traditional English fabrics such as tweeds and checks.

　　Glam - the glamorous elements of the season strive for individuality. Often, the source of inspiration are Hollywood movies. Hitchcock's silverscreen heroines makes perfect ladies' suits appear sexy again. Sleek, short jackets, narrow pencil skirts and classic grey shades make a provocatively ingenious entry.

　　Dracula and period movies provide the ideas for romantic blouses, skirts and dandy jackets in mystical darks. (Star News)