In between fittings and rehearsals for his fall '09 runway show in New York City on Feb. 20, designer Stephen Burrows took a moment to e-chat with Style Spotter. Burrows has been a designer for over 40 years. In 1970, Henri Bendel bought his designs and thrust Burrows into the sparkling spotlight of the fashion world. He was an immediate success. His client roster included Cher, Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Hall, Lauren Hutton and Barbara Streisand. The industry took notice, and Burrows was recognized with Coty Awards in 1973, 1974 and again in 1977. Urged by Halston to set up shop on Seventh Avenue, Stephen soon left Henri Bendel and opened his namesake business, quickly licensing products such as fragrances, sunglasses and furs.

The designer continues to sell at fine stores in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. He spoke to Black Voices about his new line:

Describe your spring 2009 line.

It's all about 'AFRO SUMMER,' the freedom of natural dressing and self-expression. To feel natural in your own skin and the clothes you chose to adorn yourself in as a matter of individual style and taste. The colors are pure and natural: white, khaki, stone, citron lime and cerise. The shapes are long, lean and foremost comfortable. The fabrics are cotton broadcloth, cotton, basket-weave voille, silk organdy and rayon matte-jersey.

A style that evokes your individual taste and expresses your lifestyle best.

Who or what is inspiring you today?

Mostly people on the street and how they put themselves together to make their own fashion.

Do supermodels still exist?

Yes, those girls who are the flavor of the moment who land the big jobs that pay a lot and who everybody wants to use if they could afford to (i.e., Liyah, Gisele, Naomi, Adriana, Raquel, and Kate Moss).

What can we expect from your upcoming show?

For fall '09 Burrows is classics with an edge and slim close-to-the-body silhouettes, natural fabrics colors, charcoal gray, vicuna brown, vermilion, camel and red with shots of greens, blues and yellows. And it's all about $$$ and a sense of free but controlled abandon.

Style Predictions: What will style be in 2020?

Most fabrics will be green based. As for style, that will depend on the state of the world at that time. Whatever will be influencing our lives then.