The year 1975 was a controversial one for the fashion industry. European designers showed the layered "overdressed" look, the "Big Dress," the long narrow lean look, and the Oriental influence-all in extremes. But the average American woman had to keep practicality, individuality, and economy in mind. She wanted high fashion, but she wanted it edited down to her life-style and pocketbook. American designers and manufacturers obliged by interpreting European designs with the American consumer's requirements in mind.The Chinese influence was represented in all the year's ready-to-wear, with quilted jackets and skirts, mandarin collars, and toggle closings shown in most lines. This influence led to other cross-cultural references, including Guatemalan accents (done beautifully by the designer Carol Horn). Another strong influence on American fashion was Albert Capraro, whose clothes were worn by Betty Ford, the First Lady of the United States. Capraro was one of a group of designers who offered a designer name and designer styling at moderate prices. The year 1975 was a controversial one for the fashion industry. European designers showed the layered "overdressed" look, the "Big Dress," the long narrow lean look, and the Oriental influence-all in extremes. But the average American woman had to keep practicality, individuality, and economy in mind. She wanted high fashion, but she wanted it edited down to her life-style and pocketbook. American designers and manufacturers obliged by interpreting European designs with the American consumer's requirements in mind.The Chinese influence was represented in all the year's ready-to-wear, with quilted jackets and skirts, mandarin collars, and toggle closings shown in most lines. This influence led to other cross-cultural references, including Guatemalan accents (done beautifully by the designer Carol Horn). Another strong influence on American fashion was Albert Capraro, whose clothes were worn by Betty Ford, the First Lady of the United States. Capraro was one of a group of designers who offered a designer name and designer styling at moderate prices. The year 1975 was a controversial one for the fashion industry. European designers showed the layered "overdressed" look, the "Big Dress," the long narrow lean look, and the Oriental influence-all in extremes. But the average American woman had to keep practicality, individuality, and economy in mind. She wanted high fashion, but she wanted it edited down to her life-style and pocketbook. American designers and manufacturers obliged by interpreting European designs with the American consumer's requirements in mind.The Chinese influence was represented in all the year's ready-to-wear, with quilted jackets and skirts, mandarin collars, and toggle closings shown in most lines. This influence led to other cross-cultural references, including Guatemalan accents (done beautifully by the designer Carol Horn). Another strong influence on American fashion was Albert Capraro, whose clothes were worn by Betty Ford, the First Lady of the United States. Capraro was one of a group of designers who offered a designer name and designer styling at moderate prices. The year 1975 was a controversial one for the fashion industry. European designers showed the layered "overdressed" look, the "Big Dress," the long narrow lean look, and the Oriental influence-all in extremes. But the average American woman had to keep practicality, individuality, and economy in mind. She wanted high fashion, but she wanted it edited down to her life-style and pocketbook. American designers and manufacturers obliged by interpreting European designs with the American consumer's requirements in mind.The Chinese influence was represented in all the year's ready-to-wear, with quilted jackets and skirts, mandarin collars, and toggle closings shown in most lines. This influence led to other cross-cultural references, including Guatemalan accents (done beautifully by the designer Carol Horn). Another strong influence on American fashion was Albert Capraro, whose clothes were worn by Betty Ford, the First Lady of the United States. Capraro was one of a group of designers who offered a designer name and designer styling at moderate prices.