Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall I 2003: James

James’ Fall 2003 swimwear and ready-to-wear collection rocked to a definite Samba rhythm on April 4 at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.

Laura Poretzky, who had been designing swimwear exclusively in New York, branched out into ready-to-wear when she moved to Los Angeles last year and aligned with Chiara DeRege to produce full-length items with a cruise flavor. For their latest collection, the designers focused on bright colors and sexy cuts.

Poretzky and DeRege opened the show with sizzling hot-pink and banana-yellow jumpsuits made of twill. There was retro appeal in banded bikinis, some featuring boy shorts, along with classic, one-piece bathing suits. The designers constructed all swimwear out of nylon/Lycra. The line also included ballerina dresses, bias-cut skirts and linen coverups.

“We wanted to do a collection that is easy-to-wear and easy-to-throw-on,” said Poretzky. “There is some Brazilian flavor. We were thinking ’Black Orpheus,’ but our cuts are a little more American/European.”

Next up for James is a new bridge line, 2 by James. —Robert McAllister