Question: I have recently brought fabric back from abroad. It is red, heavily embossed and I was looking to have a winter coat made from it. However I can't decide on which shape of coat as there are so many about a the moment? England

Franco: I love to hear a great fabric story.

The embossed red fabric sounds very interesting and if you took the time and effort to lug it back home, it must be beautiful. If it were me designing this coat, I would look at the fabric and perhaps drape it on someone or yourself and play with a "shape". There are two ways that you can go this Fall/Winter. One way is to go very tailored, fitted and close to the body, perhaps a mid-calf length. The other way is to go with volume and almost an a-line shape that's almost a triangle. Ultimately it will boil down to what will work on your body frame.

The coat shouldn't over-power you or have you been seen by everyone 2 miles before you enter a room. The fabric and the coat that comes of it sounds like it could be a "keeper", so think before you cut. FM

Question: What are the trends in tweeds for suits for fall/winter 2006? Chicago, USA

Franco: If you are wearing a Tweed Suit this Fall it has to be a feminine jacket and skirt suit.

I like neat fitted jackets with interesting details on them. Almost artisan-like workmanship to make them feel like someone would have worn one in the late 50's or early 60's. The jacket length should be no longer than 3-4" (9-10cm) from your waist on someone 5'6". Of course the jacket wouldn't be complete without a sleek cigarette or pencil skirt. A higher waist on the skirt and in lengths of either a short 20" (51cm) or 25" (63cm). FM

Question: I am 35 and will be traveling to Italy in November. I dont want to stick out like a sore thumb. I have bought a few fall pieces, page hats, scarves, etc. Is the look the same as in the US? What can I expect, and what should I look for to purchase in regards to fashion while I am there? I am in California so my style over here is casual beach, flip flops, Roxy look. HELP I am out of my league! Glendora, Calif.

Franco: Although the world is big enough and small enough to have some similar & universal looks, I often find that the Italians incorporate their unique spin on all things fashion. And just in case you didn't know, this comes from someone (me) of Italian origin. In Italy, fashion is part of it's history and part of it's culture just like their art, wine and food.

First off, many Italians like to dress up - period. They also like you to believe that not a care, or thought, went into the choice of clothing that they decided to wear on that particular day. Don't be fooled, they are full of passion and very serious about the way they are perceived by others, so you know this is going to apply to their viewpoint on fashion and dressing up.

The LA or California look, although it may invite some intrigue to the Italians, will never be copied and if it is, it's always with the Italian point of view. To Italian women, a t-shirt, skinny jeans and flip flops would be great if you were going to the beach but never would you catch them wearing that look in the streets. That most of all when the Italians take to the streets, before or after dinner to have a stroll. This is often when you will see fashion at it's best. Women and men dressing to make the scene and to be seen all the while, just taking a casual walk.

November in Italy can be quite cool during the day and evening. Take some cool basics, skinny jeans, some cool and comfy knit tops, high-waist pencil skirt, cropped pea coat and some great high or ankle boots. Once you get there you'll get the picture. Buy some new things that you can layer and incorporate into your new Italian look. You'll discover some clothing brands that have never been sold in the US or amazing shoes and boots that you would never have had access to at retail stores in California.

Buona fortuna (good luck)! FM

Question: I'm going to a fashion show in a week. I am 24 and in love with clothes. I can't figure out what to wear, and need a suggestion. I always dare to be different. The look I am going for: Carrie from Sex in the City, different; sexy, trendy, sophisticated. I dont want to look like other audience members that will try to over-do it and act like they are fashion, when they dont have a clue. I want to be "walking fashion". I want to be with "what is in" but with a different touch. I want to look as though I am someone who critiques the clothes on the runway, but not someone who is there to actually purchase. In other words, I want to appear as though I am what fashion should be, and want the outfit to scream that. Any ideas? The weather will be cool, but not cold. I have looked through my endless fashion magazines and can't figure out the twist that I want to add to the outfits to make it my own. Washington. DC

Franco: Going to the show and looking like a pro. First off most fashion editors that I know wear lots of black or colors that are dark and urban. Many of the editors dress up for the other editors, maybe it's the label or the garment, sort of an acknowledgement. It's the uniform, not the uniform, uniform kind of thing as they are part of the Club - Fashion editors club.

I think if you are to stand out at this fashion show, you have to look like you get it (fashion that is). Go with a more tailored look, very skinny pant (12 or 13" bottom) or high waisted pencil skirt, longer length (26 or 27") in black. Pull in a super crisp skinny white shirt that you are going to tuck into your pants or skirt. If it's pants, do an ankle boot...if it's the skirt, do a full fashion high boot. Depending on if it's cool on the day of the show, wear a neat Military inspired trench or pea coat.

A very simple and clean look is often the hardest to achieve, but when you pull it off, you'll be dispensing fashion advise to your friends. FM

Question: I am a textiles student in London, part of my brief is to find out how long the process takes from designing a garment to it actually appearing in the shops, and then how long will it be before this particular style is removed from the shops. Thank you. London, UK

Franco: This is a great question because I am about to create my Fall/Winter 2007 Collection! The cycle of production for a garment begins with an inspiration or an idea. I started purchasing fabric samples this past July 2006 (yes, one year in advance). Sample fabrics arrived now, in September 2006. Patterns and garments begin to be produced in order to show this next Collection to retailers for Jan 07. Orders are placed, then production fabric is ordered. Garments are produced and delivered to the retailer for July-Sept 07. These clothes stay on the store shelves until they are sold. Garments that remain unsold by Dec-Jan 08 are sold on sale or markdown. FM

Question: I bought a pair of pumps in tan with some gold ribbon on the shoe, they are a very nice suede. Since I live in jeans, can you help me with what color shirt might go with that. Thanks a lot!!! Gloucester, Va, USA

Franco: Your shoes sound like they may have some interesting details to begin with, so when wearing these pumps with your jeans, team them with a clean-cut knit or sweater in plain color. Maybe even throw a crisp white or matching tan shirt into the mix. Remember to keep it simple. If you are working too hard to make this outfit fly, I say skip it. FM

Question: Is it still okay to tuck my jeans into my boots this season? Edmonton, Canada

Franco: To tuck or not to tuck.......I like to see a great skinny jean or pant tucked into a great boot. Just make sure to compliment the outfit with a cool military-inpired jacket or maybe bring in some knits with volume.......or even both. The only way to find out is to experiment and see. Remember if the Boots fit - wear them!

Question: Message: What is the "new" jacket length. I have some long ones (27-29 inches), but I could shorten them. Help! Crowley, LA

Franco:The new jacket lengths lie anywhere between 15" - 30." I personally like jackets falling in between 20" - 24". They offer a "hip look" without really trying. If you are trying to put life back into your old jackets, think before you waste time and money altering pieces that might as well be left alone until their fashion time comes back again.

Fashion is funny that way, some clothes come back into fashion but there is always a change. The change is enough that someone would notice a jacket that fits into today's look but is really 20 years old. The true Fashionista knows that just shortening a jacket doesn't make it modern and new. If the jacket is tailored and has shoulder pads, then the shoulder should be a lot narrower than it used to be. If the jacket is fuller to begin with, you may have to slim down the actual body too. My suggestion to you is take a few pins, pin up the length and body. If you like what you see, take it to your alteration person - good luck! FM

Question: I am a student and I was wondering what would be appropriate for school while not looking pretentious and still being fashionable for fall. New York, USA

Franco: I love students who care about what they wear to school. There are a few things that I can think would work at school without you worrying about being pretentious. Start with some of this season's basic fashion items....a pea coat in a great tweed or corduroy, pleated or a-line flirty skirt in plaid or a soft wool, some full-volume knits or some skinny fitted knits, add a skinny pant in a stretch denim, toss in some leggings and you are off to the races. Be creative by mixing and matching your pieces, coming up with a style of your own. FM

Question: I need to buy some new pants for work. I am forty four years old and am unsure of what shape to go for. I have been told that boot- cut trousers are no longer fashionable. What do you advise? Sheffield, England.

Franco:If it's about fashion at the workplace, then the newest pant is the Skinny Pencil Pant. Don't be afraid of the name, it's a pant that has been cut with the boot leg wearer in mind, only that it has a narrower leg. FM

Question: I have a few Metallic accessories that I really enjoy. Will these still be "in" for 2006 fall/winter? Fairview, USA

Franco: You can continue to wear Metallic accessories but only if they work with the new fabrics being touted for Fall/Winter. Take some of your favorite accessories shopping with you. Experiment when you try some of this season's big hit trends, plaids, tweeds, velvet and dark denim. See what your accessories look like when mixed and matched with these clothing pieces. If you like the look and feel confident wearing them, I say - GO FOR IT! FM