New York Fashion Week Spring '09: Ahhh, Abaeté!

Summary: The Spring collection of Abaeté explored the two sides of a woman, the rational side and the emotional side. In turn, the looks pursued two paths as well-- the exploration of the bad girl with exposed underpinnings like boning, lingerie, and netting, and the portrayal of the good girl with feminine elements like bows, full skirts, and slip details. The colors followed the same pattern. There were muted and demure tones like Cornflower blue and neutrals highlighted by fanciful warm colors like Tangerine and Strawberry. Exposed black netting and bodysuits lent the bad girl edge to rouched, one shoulder dresses, and bright Sunflower yellow gave a pop to full, flirty skirts. Laura Poreztky's vision was easily seen in the collection-- "Ladies lounging in bright swimsuits provide a wonderful contrast against the tranquil blues of the ocean and sky," the designer's statement described, and the inspiration translated. With additions like long cardigans, pleating, and pinstripes, the classic look of the south of France wasn't lost in the summery, modern collection.

Color Palette: Cornflower blue, Russian blue, Sunflower yellow, black, cream, Strawberry, Tangerine, Lavender, white, nude

Fabrics & Textures: Chambray, Gingham, Mesh, Silk Chiffon, Exposed Boning and Seaming, Power Knit, Jacquard

Key Looks: Derek Button Down Dress with Full Shirred Skirt in White Cotton Shirting combined with Russian Blue/White Cotton Plaid, Toby Jacquard Knit Tank Dress in Strawberry/Cream, Peter Dress in Tribal Print Silk Chiffon with Full Bodice Corset in White Mesh and Exposed Tribal Print Silk Chiffon Boning Detail, Samurai 1 Geometric Pieced Dress in Cornflower Blue/White Stripe Taffeta with Exposed White Boning and Nude Mesh Inlay Corset with Waist Detailing, Samurai 2 Geometric Pieced Dress in Strawberry/White Stripe Taffeta with Full Bodice Corset in Nude Mush with Exposed White Boning Detail

- Hayley Wells

Video: Bluefly via YouTube