Jill Stuart's pleats, pleats, pleats

Jill Stuart’s spring line is a masterful collection of restrained,  realistic looks.  But don’t think we mean boring!   

This may be her  best season yet. 

The looks are razor sharp — with knife-pleat tops and dresses (hems are long, ladies), and wide, cuffed dress shorts in gray, taupe suede, black satin, worn with bow-front blouses and a 
duster. 

We’re loving the Obama-worthy sleeveless shifts, some with cut-outs.  And most intriguing — a print of silhouetted women on parade,  carrying flags.  A very rah-rah, Amazonian, don’t-mess-with-us vibe.  On chiffony frocks, no less.  

Only one bit of craziness — having models  walk down a slippery staircase post-runway to get to changing rooms. Aides had to escort them, or carry their zany-high heels.