The Velvet Jungle

The fashion world of New York's Seventh Avenue is Vanessa Conrad's goal when she and her smart-talking friend Tina dream of leaving their small town upstate. Although their hopes are initially dashed on arrival in war-time Manhattan, Tina swiftly achieves her heart's desire after a screen-test lands her a spot in Hollywood's starlet stable. But Vanessa follows her heart all the way to Italy, engaging in a love affair that leaves her with a child to support. Bereft of her love and back in New York, she turns again to the fashion industry, where hard work propels her slowly toward recognition as a brilliant designer. Ellis (Rich Is Best has an excellent eye for changing lifestyles, but her characters are largely one-dimensional and their many tragedies and fewer triumphs occur with numbing rapidity. (June 12)