The Rythm of Bossa Nova ... Carlos Miele Spring/Summer 2008

When legendary singer/actor Frank Sinatra first listened to sensuous sound of Brazilian Bossa Nova, he instantly fell in love.

Through his friendship with Brazilian top musician of all time, Tom Jobim, the great relationship had resulted a song that the world will never forget as time passes by - The Girl from Ipanema.

Charmed by this historic encounter, Brazilian designer Carlos Miele who is famous for his theatrical ready-to-wear designs created a collection that follows the fluid flow of Bossa Nova rhythm for his current spring/summer 2008 ready-to-wear collection.

The presentation was staged to the sophisticated global fashion crowd under the infamous tents of Bryant Park at last year's New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2007.

Bridging both Brazilian steep history with its present-day modern culture, Miele incorporated Brazil's mixed cultural elements of Renaissance lace (brought by the Portuguese settlers to Brazil in 16th century), crochets, and Brazilian rosettes known as fuxico. These elements are then blended with splashes of vibrant colors inspired from exotic fruits and vivid photographic prints sourced from his extensive globe-trotting.

The result is a collection of fluid gowns, elegant ensembles of meticulously-done tops and bottoms starting with shiny satin sleeveless top with gathered bust and matching ruched mini skirt in banana green, sheer cowl top matched with exquisite floor-sweeping shiny crepe satin mermaid gown, one shouldered one-piece swimwear in shiny swirl prints, to one shoulder printed chiffon top with side-embellished tailored pants.

Swathe of fluid chiffons aside, Miele incorporates his trademark theatrical and opulence approach in his stunning evening wears collection with hems scrunched to perfection creating a unique texture on the dress, oversized ruffles on sweeping hems blooming like an open flower, extensive gowns in shiny satin, jewel-embellished necklines, and intricate sequin detailing that expresses ultimate style and wealth.

My pick from the collection? Of course I will go for printed chiffon one-shoulder dress with ruffle detail on the left shoulder, fluid turquoise silk satin halter neck dress with embellishment detail on the neckline.

Last but not least, for a dose of simplicity in daywear closet, off-shoulder top adorned with Renaissance-influenced print with embellished wide neck matched with relaxed long pants make my top three favorite picks.

Carlos Miele's spring/summer 2008 ready-to-wear collection is available now at Carlos Miele flagships in New York and Paris as well as select retailers around the globe.

*Photos by Imaxtree/New York Magazine.

Carlos Miele Flagship Stores - 408, West 14th Street, Meatpacking District, NYC, New York 10014; 380, Rue Saint-Honore, Paris.