L.A. Fashion Week Fall '05: Shay Todd
Designer Shay Todd took a mental journey to India when she created her Fall/Resort 2005 swimwear collection, shown March 19 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.
The collection, which bears her name, was replete with vibrant colors and Buddha images snatched from the land of spiritual knowledge and temples.
“I just feel the soulful emphasis that goes into this,” said Todd, who has never visited India but is planning a trip soon. “It’s relaxed, bohemian, colorful, chic.”
The entire collection had an exotic feel, from the pink sequined caftan to the vibrant-green pretzel swimsuit.
Many styles had a touch of gold here and there, a concept that Todd used amply in her Spring 2005 collection. Swimsuits had gold-chain halters or gold links on the sides of bikini bottoms. Gauze tops and dresses were studded with gold embellishments that sparkled in the spotlights.
Todd also played with feathers, as seen in a stunning lavender one-piece whose plunging V front was accented in white plumes. Ruffles were seen in many one- and two-piece swimsuits.
Much of Todd’s resortwear was fashioned out of gauze or terry cloth. A brown gauze strapless dress that almost touched the ground was beautifully accented by a scarf. A white terry-cloth poolside robe that tied at the side was sophisticated but practical. —Deborah Belgum
