Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim/Cruise 2009: Poko Pano
For her debut show in the United States, Poko Pano designer Paola Robba paid homage to the music and architecture of 1950s Brazil with her Summer 2009 collection. “It’s about music and nostalgia,” Robba said. She incorporated art deco colors, musical notes and languid shapes that she said remind her of bossa nova music and the inevitable dancing it inspires. Playful stripes, polka dots, embroidery, graphic prints and florals combined for a whimsical, glamorously thrown-together look at her July 21 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. Colors—ranging from demure gray and olive to vibrant coral, pink, turquoise and lavender—were key to Robba’s skimpy silhouettes. Teeny-tiny string bikinis sported mismatched patterns, and twisted bandeau tops featured contrasting colors. One-pieces featured sexy cutouts, one-shoulder details and plenty of skin. Maybe Brazilian girls are less shy (despite the less-forgiving Brazilian cuts), but Robba seemed to have little interest in coverups. Belted short-shorts, a dip-dyed woven shirt and a printed mesh T-shirt were all she offered by way of coverups. —E.B.
