MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Poko Pano 2015

Splish splash. Poko Pano 2015 kicked off the first fashion show of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim right in the pool.  The famed historic swimming pool of the Raleigh Hotel in South Beach was a gorgeous setting for models to splash through with the collection.

Unfortunately, it was not ideal for the photographers who, like me just flew into the city.  One photographer started by dropping her batteries in the water.  The lack of an official photographer’s pit meant that everyone tried to find a spot around the pool without being in someone else’s shot.  I ended halfway up a tree and between spiky bushes.  Um, fun.

Still, the setting still managed to soothe the crankiness of the shooters.  The swimwear itself was wearable and pretty.  The look of models splashing through water instead of the stiletto-heeled catwalk strut was a refreshing change.  The dewy, bronzed look was fresh and appropriate for an afternoon in the water.

Brazilian designer Paola Robba created this

season’s collection with the passion of Rio de Carnival and pride in her country’s team at the FIFA World cup. There were pieces that had an arts and crafts influence using a technique similar to a hand woven rag rug.  There were high-waisted bikini bottoms for a retro feel that suited the location.  Graphic tropical prints expressed her love for the warm location. 

The Poko Pano 2015 collection succeeded in giving you an escape to South America.  The swimwear itself is perfect when you make that escape a reality.

photos by Mariana Leung

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Carlos Miele Spring 2013

 The idea that New Yorkers don't appreciate colors other than black was beaten down at the Carlos Miele Spring 2013 fashion show.  The Brazilian designer opened his Mercedes-Benz fashion week presentation with a dramatically lit model showing the flying 'wings' of printed chiffon in silhouette.

What followed next was a parade of bright green, yellow, white and black celebration of graphic animal prints.  The silhouettes were very sexy and flattering, but elegant instead of trashy.  As in seasons past, the movement of the soft fabrics looked terrific coming down the runway and made fans of the unruly photographer's pit.

Elegant beading embellished many of the dresses.  Long fringed handbags, sexy cutout stilettos and jeweled belts were the accessories of choice for this designer.

Front row fans included Vanessa Williams, Paula Abdul and my favorite new web fashionista, P'trique...

photos by David TW Leung

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NY Fashion Week: Carlos Miele Spring 2012

"Will there be Samba musicians down this runway?"  There is only one designer I can think of where members of the photographer's pit would ask this question.  

Carlos Miele brought his brand of sophisticated Brazilian chic to Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week.  There were no dancers or musicians, but the models brought South American style to Manhattan.  The first few looks to come down the runway were dramatic swirls of printed chiffon. 

The rest of the looks that followed were draped, sexy silhouettes showing off bronzed legs, bared shoulders and long necks.  Sunny orange, one of the most popular colors in the Spring 2012 collection was important in this collection as well.  Vivid blues and greens to reflect the beaches of Brazil were also very prominent.  The popular pattern were variations on a painterly swirled design interpreted in different color palettes.

Fabric manipulations were popular as a design detail on several gowns.  Fabric was twisted and braided.  Other gowns featured a gathered fabric floral technique. 

When spring hits NYC, I'm usually wading through dirty slush thawed from the winter.  If there is any luck in my world, next spring I'll be instead on a beach in Brazil, with a caipirinha in hand and a regal Mielle gown on my back...

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