New York - September 28, 2004

Sew, a Needle Pulling Thread

Allison Anne Skirts

It’s a question that’s been plaguing great minds for ages: How do you solve a problem like Maria?

The debate rages, but perhaps you start by limiting your exposure to Freud, Wiener schnitzel, and (will they please just go away) Swarovski.

As for curing the fantasy that a wayward nun moves in and makes you and yours matching outfits out of old drapes? Well, that might not be a problem.

Especially if you trade Julie Andrews for Allison Anne Conrad. The young designer makes the most adorable girlie skirts from a wide range of classic tapestry fabrics — toile, stripes, floral, botanical, and nautical prints. The cinched-waist, bell-shaped pieces are eye-catching and modern, as are the bright colors and bold patterns of fall’s Collection III. All skirts are personally fitted and handmade to order. Guaranteeing they’ll become a few of your favorite things.

An even cuter touch? The skirts have names. Like Mrs. Robinson, Lady Chatterly, and Venus Fly Trap.

And here’s hoping Conrad designs a Maria von Trapp for spring.

Available online at allisonanne.com.