Carlos Miele Spring 2009 – New York Fashion Week Review

Models walk the runway as actor/singer Seu Jorge performs. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

A longtime celebrity go-to designer for spectacular red carpet dresses, Carlos Miele showed his Spring/Summer 2009 collection at New York Fashion Week in joyous, vivid colors and nature-inspired themes of water reflection, flower shadow and rainforest.

Using mostly soft and sheer fabrics, Miele created flowing silhouettes accentuated with textured touches of pleats, ruffles, exquisite embroidery and crepe. From off-white and sand colors to raspberry, red and aqua, the most captivating were Miele’s dresses in royal blue and light gold, as well as the only look in a bright mandarin color. Many looks, ranging from strapless mini dresses to backless evening gowns, had an asymmetric flair to them, which was skillfully translated through the designs’ cuts, prints, color combinations and creative embellishments. The lone exception was an overly busy rainforest print; on the runway, the gown was reminiscent of the infamous scarf-like, green jungle print Versace dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2000 Grammy Awards.

Miele’s runway looks were effortlessly accessorized with embroidered belts, leather high heel sandals in black or nude, and Juliana Scarpa Brazilian jewelry, which included bracelets and rings in 18K yellow and pink gold with citrines, peridots, amethysts, and other intensely-colored gemstones. The luxurious energy of Miele’s collection was intensified even more by the accompanying live performance of fellow Brazilian Seu Jorge, a famous actor (“City of God,” “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”) and musician with a rich, soulful voice.

On another note, while to most Miele is known for his sexy evening gowns, the talented designer should also be applauded for his great philanthropic actions. Visit the “Social Work” section of Miele’s Web site to learn about the numerous organizations and causes he has been involved in. In a recent interview, Miele mentioned that through Coopa-Roca (Rocinha Artisans’ Cooperative, which places local women on the job market and revives traditional Brazilian craft techniques such as fuxico (little rosetes), knot work, crochet and patchwork) and other cooperatives, more than 2,000 women in underprivileged areas of Brazil are now employed and directly working for him.

Photo Gallery: Carlos Miele Spring 2009 – New York Fashion Week

all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine