Spirit and glamour of Spring
By Xu Xiaomin (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2004-04-05 17:15

Big brand shows are always a highlight of the Shanghai International Fashion Festival and this year was no exception. Four international brands Jorya, Phaber, Liu.Jo and BCBG - displayed their latest collections for spring and summer in a spectacular showing of the latest trends in Xintiandi.

Jorya: awakening spirits

The inspiration behind Jorya's spring/summer 2004 collection stems from the Baroque era in 17th century Europe. It reflects the awakening of new creative spirits stimulated by the arrival of the new spring and summer seasons. The art of the Baroque explores the wild and joyful feelings inspired by the end of winter and this is displayed in the fabrics and textures of the new fashions.

The Baroque style comes through in brilliant and magnificent colours of bright yellow, light orange and gold, with the addition of gauze,, feathers and decorations to achieve a dazzling, dramatic result.

Embroidered shirts in classical patterns go with matching hot pants. The decoration of metal cirques and a network of patchwork cloth highlight extremely simple frocks to show off the figure. The overall style is light, fairy-like and graceful.

Phaber: casual luxury

Phaber this year blends sports styles into a soft and feminine chiffon to create a kind of casual luxury.

The classical navy uniform is the theme of Phaber for spring/summer 2004.

Extremely gorgeous embroidery, graceful silk and satin and flowing chiffon creates a smart profile for today's woman. Strong contrasts of colours, a combination of different fabrics, a meeting of the cultures of the East and West and unrestrained design enables these creations to pass any fashion test.

The "must-haves" include tops in stripes or spots, super-short jackets, long silk blouses with embroidery and beads, knitwear T-shirt and hot pants made of satin or denim.

Liu.Jo: hippie charm

The Liu.Jo for spring/summer 2004 is full of romance and femininity. The collection is especially suited for women who love life, enjoy comfort, like to behave with a little sexiness and who have a strong sense of their femininity. The baby doll blouse is one favourite style.

The main shapes this year come from loose pants to match close-to-body short tops which makes the wearer feel totally comfortable.

The theme of "charming and hippie" is highlighted in floral designs and flounces which go together with boots and wide waistbelts.

Colours are white, yellow, red, pink, green, blue and black.

BCBG: something girlish

For spring/summer 2004, the collection of BCBG Max Azria offers feminine innocence and gamine charm combined with a playful sexy spirit. A striking colour palette and enchanting nonchalance produce an air of instinctive glamour and additional chic.

This season's BCBG collection is designed with a youthful exuberance and girlish grace, offset by an innate sensuality and easy glamour.

The silhouettes are clean and easy: A-line dresses that skim the body, cropped pants, short jackets with three-quarter sleeves, and thigh-length coats.