Stella McCartney goes Retro

Retro is the name of the game and for Spring/Summer collection, Stella McCartney is going back to the times when big pouf shoulders and geomtrical mod prints were the in things. The designer daughter of Sir Paul McCartney from the former British pop phenomenon The Beatles happily played with straight lines, volumes and eccentric bright colors for her latest collection this season. Light cotton, poplin, silk organzas and sheer knits which are known for its lightness and comfortability were the materials chose by Stella in this year's Spring/Summer creations.

The bold geometric prints of clay and cargo displayed on most of her dresses and two-piece swimwear set reminds me of the days of yore when the likes of Mary Quant and supermodel Twiggy ruled the era. More to the London's swinging 60's. A special feature for Stella's design is she used coated bamboo for the neckline, with soft poplin aside. Sharp menswear tailoring techniques were alos applied on the creations and softened with the usage of silk organzas and sheer knits to give it a feminine touch.

There is one dress that caught my attention. It's a short dress with butterfly pouf sleeve worn by model Valentina Zelyaeva during the designer's runway show last October in London. The metallic olive muslin dress, worn with a pair of natural raffia shoes in the same hue reminds me of how Philippines former first lady, Imelda Marcos's trademark style. Other personal picks that I think rather nice for this season is the black halter dress with studded clutch as accessory (featured here). After all, black is always the couleur du jour for every season.

Last December, the designer signed to a long-term agreement with Unit & Guest Co. Ltd., for the rights to distribute her ready-to-wear and accessories in Japan. Unit & Guest Co. Ltd. was established four years ago and the company not only distributes but also sell and operate intrenational brand stores in Japan such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Biba and Luella.

Although Stella McCartney label has a strong presence in Japan with corners dedicated to the brand in top notch department stores like Isetan and Hankyu, the agreement will allow the brand to build stronger presence and distribution network in the Land of the Rising Sun since there has been increasing demands on Stella McCartney's products in the country.

Among strategies planned to strengthen the brand's existence and market are the opening of shop-in-shops at selected department stores as well as the opening of Stella McCartney's first flagship store in Japan within the next two years and should the shop opens as planned, it will join its three current flagship sisters in London, New York and Los Angeles.

The Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2007 Collection is available at Stella McCartney flagship stores and selected multi-brand stores across the globe.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira/Style.com and Vogue.

Stella McCartney - Club 21, 583 Orchard Road #07-01, Singapore 238884; Rouge, 3rd Floor, The Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pratumwan, 10330 Bangkok.