Victor De Souza Fall/Winter 2012

The Victor de Souza Fall/Winter 2012 which was held at the trendy Bowery Terrace the Bowery Hotel Hotel, was full of lovely surprises.  The Argentina born designer's collection began with elegant jackets or boleros paired with knee length skirts.

 The looks which were styled by celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster, at first glance, seemed prim and proper, with models accessorized with glasses, modest kitten heels, and hair styled in a high buns. 

However, upon inspection, the designs emphasized the female figure with hourglass shaped jackets and cutouts that offered seductive flashes of skin.  As the show progressed, there were more playful, revealing pieces in unexpected textures, such the rose-pink romper covered in silk embroidered flowers.   

The materials that were used, embroidered tulle, taffeta,  silk, wool crepe, silk organza, heightened the sense of luxury.  The color palette was simple, with neutral off-white, black,  champagne, rose-pink, earth green, and burgundy.  Victor De Souza's looks reminded me of a  modern day Audrey Hepburn, the perfect combination of classic and sexy.

Rabia Z. Mukhawara Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Designer Rabia Z.

Designer Rabia Z from Dubai showed her stunning Mukhawara Collection at Casa La Femme, a romantic and richly decorated Egyptian restaurant in the West Village, New York City. Guests were seated at carved dark wooden tables gently lit with candles and booths draped in colorful organza.   Rabia Z's collection is inspired by her vision of "an American stylista, who travels from West to East, charming the world with her poise and panache".  Titled "Traditions. Today. Tomorrow.", the collection is influenced by the designer's traditional Afghani Arab background and has innovative, modern touches.  

The mukhawara is a "long traditional dress worn by the Emirati and GCC women", according to the show notes.  The beautifully draped pieces were in rich jewel tones of purple, turquoise, and electric blue and embellished with screen-printings of age-old Mukhawara embroidery in contrasting colors along the collar, sleeves, or waist. The looks were modest yet alluring, traditional yet modern.  Without displaying any skin besides the face and hands, the Mukhawaras still managed to highlight the beauty and grace of the female form.  Having never worn a Mukhawara before, I was curious to try it on.

The show closed with comments from famed celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster, who produced and provided styling direction for the show.  He had discovered Rabia Z. over four years ago in Dubai when he judged an emerging designer contest that Rabia Z. had won, and was wowed by her work.  Mr. Brewster described the collection as being very worldly and felt it would provide an excellent option for the Islamic community.  For more information about Rabia Z.'s collection, please visit RabiaZ.com.

Dr. Robert G. Brewster, Kithe Brewster

Stylist Kithe Brewster, Her Highness Sheikha Alia Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Princess of Dubai, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bih Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Makfoum Crown Prince Dubai, Designer Victor de Souza