Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall '06: Joseph S. Domingo

San Francisco designer Joseph Domingo unveiled his animal instincts collection March 20 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios.

The designer, who turned from his staple swimwear to ready-to-wear for Fall ’06, rolled out a collection that was heavy on animal prints. Domingo was thinking globally while preparing the line, which was inspired by world culture and style.

Notable were his bold giraffe prints, which were seen on smooth leather pants and party dresses, including one with a beaded bodice, as well as on cropped jackets. A leopard kimono-sleeve cashmere sweater and his cheetah-print short dresses were also impressive.

Domingo wasn’t entirely focused on wildlife. His outerwear piqued the fancy of onlookers with black quilted jackets and a black lava-finish jacket coat. He also dropped in some jacquard form-fitting dresses as well as gowns and evening dresses, which also featured animal prints, as well as pleating and glass beading. His black “Audrey” gown with a black mosaic tile embellishment was one of the standouts in that category. —Robert McAllister