Carlos Miele was in his element this morning in his Spring/Summer 2012 show. The sentiment that comes to mind is goddess. From the moment the event began, he captivated us by opening with a quartet of models striking down the runway with confident flair as their flowing, chiffon caftans billowed out behind them. His vivid use of color makes this ready-to-wear collection pop in a way that almost makes others that were shown this season seem muted in comparison. High slits, crepe embellishments, embroidered details, fuxico appliqué dresses, and printed, silky charmeuse numbers belted with metallic gold glided before our eyes in seamless, fluid motion. Slinky mesh tops, goldfish and sea cliff prints, and the use of coral and vivid green perfectly evoked images of paradise — a stylized, larger-than-life fantasy that draws upon the earth’s real elements, enhancing the primitive with imagination and technology to transport us to a glamorous, otherworldly resort. The fiery abandon of summer, the “immersive landscape” of a life “under perpetual sun” as the designer describes as his theme this season- is what Carlos Miele does best. I admire the artistic unity in his patterns, and his signature exotic spark really shines here. These goddess-like creations have the presence to light up many a red carpet or cocktail party.

The cherry on top of viewing this colorful, vibrant collection was the gorgeous, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-of-her Maybelline spokes model Lisalla Montenegro in the front row. The Brazilian beauty is stunning in real life and had the room abuzz with reporters and photographers eager to meet her before the show began.
– Jessica J. Tsai
Photos: Stevyn Llewellyn

Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn