August tends to be a void month in terms of fashion. Those advance-os in the know (pantones, influences, design trends... everything) are already well familiar with the forthcoming Fall '07 collections. From Vogue on down, all eyes and efforts are on the... drum roll please... September issue.

But, there are fashion shows.

Yes, even up here in sunny Seattle we have a fashion season, from now-ish to mid-September. August 2 is Fashion First, the best local fashion perspective runway show, showcasing collections of independent local boutiques and supporting the NW Sarcoma Foundation. Begun in Belltown in 2005, this year's venue is Jonas Jensen Studios in Fremont. Check out fashionfirstseattle.com or call 1-800-921-2771 for ultra VIP tickets. Or, there's the Nordstrom Show, and a smattering of other events around town.

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Key words for this season: Somewhere between raw and refined. Sexy and simple. A typical subdued fall palette - greay, charcoal, navy, black - peppered with shocking '80s-esque fuchsias, cobalts and reds. Ethnic is the new bohemian. Spice up ensembles with unusual accents and miscellany - think of a fitted 'n flashy Asian house-jacket worn out or a refined cashmere sweater from South America. Big, bold diagonal stripes and shocks of intense color - lemon curry, purple wine, cashmere rose and burnt ochre; revamped teal and shale-sea-foam. Some severe, exaggerated necklines (i.e. bows, ties, puffy collars, off-the-shoulder, poufs and such). Lovely, lovely Hound's-tooth returns, perfectly trimmed in patent leather.

Street fashion continues to be infused everywhere, breakdown or expansion... Burberry (and others) keep reinventing the standard trench (essential for local climes). According to Dolce and Gabbana a whip and/or a baseball bat make an apropos accessory. Donatella still opts for standard good taste and her [tanned brand of] paired down sophistication. Now is about the vertical silhouette not the volume of one's attire. The latest fashion buzzword is "stealth sophistication."

Ladies continue to be caught in fashion's juxtaposition. Hard and soft - a silver mesh sheath. Hourglass flattering dresses in cruel, harsh fabric. Metallic swimsuits. Big belts (I don't mean mini-skirts here). Large, leather, ornamentation-encrusted, rocker-inspired belts over sleek, formfitting, organic dresses.

Jewelry is trending back toward minimalization, but why not throw some elbow-length black leather gloves into the mix. Signals indicate the year of the dress is diminishing and the fall season marks the return of the more polished suit - and pants. If one must gravitate toward this four-letter-word look for sleek, menswear cut trousers with a dressy blouse and some simple, catchy accessories.

Sweaters too are knitting their way back into vogue (we'll see about Vogue). Stella McCartney and others offer fun playful knitwear (including dresses) for Fall. Boyfriend sweaters are big, as are thin, beltable cardigans. Just beware of the cable-knit, oh, you could die... seriously! Guys, it's all about French urban (man) chic. Classic, basic pieces in subtly fresh 'n flashy fabrics. Tailored sport coats with up-to-the-minute (nicely) fitted jeans and T-shirt look great weather walking by the Seine of The Sound. With the right outfit macho men can even get away with carrying the oh-so-now canvas shopping tote... or a girlfriend's handbag.

The biggest conundrum in the American men's fashion scene right how is what effect 'Becks' will have. Now that David Beckham has brought his talents and his ways to the West Coast we'll see what happens. Will more Belltown hommes go platinum? (Just, hopefully there won't be a renewed run on faux-hawks.)

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