San Francisco Fashion Week 2006: Cari Borja

Opulent is the only word to describe the fashion presented by Cari Borja in her 2007 collection, which had 44 looks. TheOakland, Calif., designer has a soft touch for anything with ruffles, as seen by her fanciful creations, which were rich in mohair knits, vintage and silk wools, and novelty fabrics from Italy. “My collection from the beginning, when I started sewing four years ago, has been layers of ruffles,” she said. The theme for Borja’s collection was “My Fair Lady” and its idea of transformation.

“There are five themes in the show that go from lingerie, pajamas and boudoir looks up until they go to the ball,” the designer said. Borja’s ruffles were not ordinary ruffles but accents on steroids. They bounced on capes and duster jackets paired with harem pants or ruffle pants. Particularly outstanding was a purple polka-dot chiffon hoodie shell worn with a floral brocade pencil skirt with a ruffled bustle. Evening looks had delicate wisps of fabric with hellip; ruffles.