Summer fling

For eclectic style that’s playful and elegant, the fashion pack swears by Marni, a posh Italian label founded 11 years ago by the Castiglioni family. Collections are quirky and unique and executed with excellent workmanship that Italians can boast of. Marni’s trademark of colorful, funky clothing created with superior textiles and materials have won tons of fans all over the world, including many on our tropical shores.

This season, spring right into fashion with the latest looks from the Italian design house which epitomize nature at its best. High on style and color, Marni offers youthful, flirty clothes that represent all the wonderful things about summer. Creative designs and happy hues make the collection eye-catching and attention-grabbing. Marni transformed a spring bouquet onto the fashion runway via a cotton embroidered garden skirt that is currently on many ladies’ wish lists. Paired with a crisp white blouse, one can go from a garden event to an evening out. Flattering and dainty, Marni has looks that will make you the object of everyone’s envy.

If Marni’s collection is bright and floral, Balenciaga’s is the exact antithesis of that. The well-known Spanish fashion house started by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1919 showcases plenty of black, white and navy for the Spring/Summer ‘05 collection. Now helmed by creative director Nicholas Ghesquiere, the influential line always known for sculptural silhouettes is back in full force. Sleek and sexy, this season offers cutting edge fashion that is avant-garde and classic at the same time.

Most of the collection is done strictly in black or with gold details, such as piping, buttons, belts and zippers. Pieces have a futuristic take on the traditional and translate magnificently on the runway and on the client. Lines are fluid, expressed perfectly by a black silk wrap top with tone on tone snakeskin print. Matched with a short white cotton skirt with flap pockets, they are serious clothes fashion-savvy women adore.