L.A. in N.Y.: Monique Lhuillier-Flirtatious Femininity

Monique Lhuillier’s flirtatious, feminine Spring/Summer 2004 collection had a lighthearted yet sophisticated look at its showing in New York’s Bryant Park on Sept. 15 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The Beverly Hills, Calif.–based designer showed a range of upscale day-to-night looks, including polished tweed jackets, skirts, pants and cocktail dresses with feminine details such as sequins, netting, ribbons and fringe. Paired with scalloped-lace tops, sexy bandeaus, Chantilly lace and ballerina-like tulle skirts, the looks achieved a delicate balance between playful innocence and sophistication.

A chic floral group of airy cocktail dresses, strapless bustiers, organza ballerina skirts, chiffon halters and swimwear were reminiscent of a holiday in St-Tropez. Other pieces, such as a coral suede motorcycle jacket and hot pants, added a hip, sporty edge to the group.

Evening looks included a colorful palette of chartreuse, pink, coral and blue ombreacute; chiffon in body-skimming cocktail and full-length styles. Formal looks were dramatic and elegant with ball gowns in celadon, ice-blue and black-and-white embroidered silk taffeta. Mini dresses in ivory or black lace, white laser-cut tulle and chandelier beading were the ultimate in feminine chic.

N. Jayne Seward