Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall '06: Samora
Summer Olayan’s designs for Samora’s Fall 2006 collection bounced between prim war-era-inspired skirt suits to risqueacute; lace blouses to flower-child blouses perfect for a love-in. The March 21 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios featured wool herringbone jackets screen printed with flowers, velvets used in pantsuits and voluminous bubble skirts, and military-inspired details.
A gown rendered in emerald velvet and cascades of printed silk stole the show. Puffed sleeves complemented nipped pencil skirts. Hints of a 1940s wartime lifestyle were prevalent in the collection. A red chiffon party dress seemed like the perfect thing for dancing to big band music. Jackets were cut from gunmetal gray or brown wool with epaulets and brass buttons.
Colors and fabrications were warm and rich. Bordeaux-hued velvet gowns were embroidered with golden flowers. Heavy, striped knits were paired with fitted, crinkled wool pants. Mohair sweaters and wool shrugs balanced out pocket trousers and sweetheart frocks. —Erin Barajas
