The South Embraces The Winter

While the northern Hemisphere is welcoming its first spring of the year, it's southern sister is entering the new phase of the four season cycle - winter.

Though winter means lots of snow for some places in Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand, but heavy rain in Brazil due to its proximity to the Equator line, one awkward thing about the fashion scene in these places is that instead of wearing fall/winter clothes, fashionistas would turn to spring/summer ones sold at global designer stores for the sake of fashion trends that started up in the north.

Recently, Brazil's eden of luxury fashion and lifestyle held its fall/winter 2008 fashion presentation for its fashion forward clients at the majestic Villa Daslu in São Paulo. Combining Daslu's expanding in-house fashion range with eclectic choices from imported fashion labels namely Valentino, Prada, Gucci, and Chloé to name a few, the show provided its clients with an in-depth introduction to the must-haves of the two seasons.

The fall/winter 2008 ready-to-wear presentation began with a model dressed in the comfortable but casual overlayering of white top, knitted dark brown cardigan, and a pair of slim fit jeans, which is totally the season's staple and carries a slouchy shopper accessorized with striped scarf with beaded fringed. Completing the look is a pair of two-toned ballerina pumps in buttery soft leather.

Dresses are made with knee-length hems, some were decorated in flower prints and others in color-blocking of turquoise, red, aubergine, and yellow. A touch of Greek goddess was evident on yellow dress with gathered butterfly sleeves and belted with black skinny belt. Bright orange mini skirt a la Chloé and gathered tie-front mini skirt in buttercup yellow give the somber fall/winter a touch of vivacity and perfectly matched with the black long-sleeved top.

For classic look throughout the season, opt for gray jacket paired with solid gray tailored loose pants and stylish Victorian-styled white shirt with ruffled cuffed sleeves, perfect as office wear. There are also several printed dresses made in Biba-style, which features larger-than-life flower prints with elongated Kimono sleeves and round neck. Completing the look are knee-high leather boots and large lock bag in white with black frame.

For men, the mood is simple with staple jackets, finely tailored suits, and impeccable shirts. Oh yes, if skinny tie is nowhere to be seen of late, expect to see it lingers in Brazilian fashion scene guys.

Last but not least, kids are not left behind as well with chic and contemporary offerings such as dress in nautical stripes of black and white with flared hem and long sleeves, collegiate jacket with white Peter Pan-collared uniform embroidered with Daslu coat of arms, and worn underneath gray pinafore.

Young boys will be delighted with sweater with Danish flag appliqué, striped long-sleeved shirt, and relaxed fit jeans worn with brown suede loafers, or navy blue jacket overlayered atop white printed tee, and matching pants. Daslu fall/winter 2008 collection is available now exclusively at Daslu, São Paulo.

*Photos by Daslu.

Daslu - 131, Avenida Chedid Jafet, São Paulo SP, Brazil.