Black looks

Think bold. Think strong. From the king of the modernists, Helmut Lang, comes a shiny suit with a sash in revolutionary red. And from Ann Demeulemeester, a spiky, tailored shirt worn shrugged off one shoulder. These are clothes for the modern woman who demands more than simplicity and comfort - she wants clothes that make a statement. Styling by Philippa Duck. Photographs by Desmond Muckian

Opposite: black viscose backless dress, pounds 495 and black tuxedo mohair wool trousers, pounds 365, both by Gucci, from 33 Old Bond Street, London W1 and 18 Sloane Street, London SW1, (0171-629 2716 for enquiries); black leather-tie wedge sandals, pounds 150, from a selection at Freelance, 55 Neal Street, London WC2 and Bertie at Spirit in Selfridges, Oxford Street, London W1

This page: black viscose/cotton vest, pounds 397 and black cotton shirt, pounds 280, both by Ann Demeulemeester from Browns, 23-27 South Molton Street, London W1, Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London SW1 and The Changing Room, 8 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Opposite: beige nylon transparent t-shirt, pounds 96 and silk tie, pounds 215, both by Ann Demeulemeester, stockists as before

This page: black satin jacket, pounds 430; black satin trousers, pounds 180 and black T- shirt, pounds 80 all by Helmut Lang from Jones, 15 Floral Street, London W1; Liberty, Regents Street, London W1, Harvey Nichols, as before and Browns, as before

Hair Philippe Baligan for Brigitte Hebant

Make-up Cynthia Baligan

Model Zoe Ouvrier at Company