The final day of Modavia Fashion Week opened with the Dutch design house CIA from Ayla Strading in a joint presentation with Joy Laperriere of SHI. I am new to CIA and am thrilled with the introduction. I love the bright, saturated colors and definitely plan to pick up at least that black top with the floral embroidery.

The clothing from SHI was very modern looking, with a fresh take on the form of Japanese kimonos. Obi-based sashes, articulated kimono pieces, it’s a perfect example of old elements revitalized by imagination and design.

Sissy Pessoa’s collection for Baiastice was a mix of old and new. There were vintage inspired cocktail dresses and hats. Take the second from the top, that bucket hat is an old form as is the demi-swing jacket, but it looks new when put together with the skirt. The red fedora has been around a long time, but there’s nothing old about that red hot slinky dress.

Of course, I don’t know if you can find something more au courant than the suspended skirt. Of course, it comes with a fabulous bodysuit so it only hints at indiscretions that never happen. It’s a tease. The summer sky blue dress with the corset is as romantic as can be. The dress is soft chiffon and when coupled with the stiff carapace of a corset – it’s new, fresh and runway ready.

Quiet femininity remains the hallmark of Malt. These are sweet and feminine dresses with a mix of casual and daywear. The sculpts are flawless and you know you just want everything.

The muted palette does not mean it lacks snap. Take for example the gold dress with the lace collar or the blue tiered dress. This is  the best of casual and daywear.

Ricielli’s collection is designed for the Woman Who Is Dangerous To Know. With spikes, studs and boots that were made for walking over you, there’s an edge to these looks. That edge is reinforced with animal prints and snakeskin. The woman is Dangerous To Know.

Ricielli’s palette is rich with strong, true colors. My personal favorite was the gold jacket with the red skirt. But each and every look projects attitude.

Vero Moderno gave us a collection for men and women with lots of sex appeal and sleek female silhouettes. The male clothing features sumptuous fabrics and casual chic.

\There’s a male-female pants outfit that gets inspiration from fetishwear. The color palette is kept to a minimum which is the right way to go when you have such extravagantly sweeping neck and back lines.

The Designer Showcase features one outfit each from new and emerging designers. They are in order:

• Leah McCullough wears Fore – The 80s pink.
• Gamp Lane wears Indie Rose – Giraffe Print Harem jumpsuit.
• Valeria Pienaar wears Tea Time – Pin Up.
• Vixie Rayna wears Fishy Strawberry – Desert Sand.
• Leah McCullough wears Coeur Noir – Quilted Coat (comes with pants or skirt)
• Valeria Pienaar wears SnowPaws Cellophane Gown

 

• Phillip Dollinger wears Connors – Casual Jacket
• Gamp Lane wears Faster Pussycat – Neo Geisha.
• Leah McCullough wears LaViere – The Blanche.
• Valeria Pienaar wears Solidea Folies – Regina.
• Vixie Rayna wears L’Amant – Metamorphosis

The show closed with a sneak peek of the Paper Couture collection. I could not find it out on sale and when asked was told it was not on sale, but I was wrong. I am happy to report it is on sale in their store in Modavia. The link is in Sasy’s comment below. The clothes are rich, luxurious gowns in the best tradition of high fashion. Velvets, lames, chiffons and silks, the stuff of glamour. Ava and Cora Lu continue to make us happy.