Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring '05: Purp7e and Purp7e Agua
Designers Vera Ribeiro and Andre Kohler recently added an accessory to their Purp7e line of rayon knit sweaters: swimwear.
The designers, who launched the knit label a year and a half ago, unveiled the swim line Purp7e Agua in September at Fashion Coterie in New York.
The collection, pronounced “Purple Seven,” is named after Ribeiro’s favorite color and what she describes as the “most mystical number.”
Purp7e is produced in Indonesia, and Purp7e Agua is produced in Ribeiro’s native Brazil.
Both collections were on the runway on Oct. 30 at the P. Ka Bu shows, held at the Blu Pinstripe Warehouse in Los Angeles.
Ribeiro and Kohler showed bikinis, many topped with sweaters in a lofty, lightweight rayon mesh knit or by sarongs in bright, bold tropical and botanical prints.
The wrapped and draped knits included a hooded dress in sky blue paired with a matching halter- top bikini. The designers also showcased a few glam pieces, including sequin-trimmed knits and sequined bikinis in gold and silver. The knits and swimwear looks were accessorized with body jewelry in the form of butterflies by Fleur designer Laeia Angelica.
—Alison A. Nieder
