La Perla SS09 ... An Ode to Rachel Zoe?

I saw stylist Rachel Zoë in a variety of permutations ruling the La Perla’s runway show at Milan Fashion Week.

Though no sighting of Zoë was reported, her style aura from last year (remember those boho chic off-shoulder frocks that got Demi Moore and Molly Sims in fashion frenzy?) seemed to appear strong and solid on the runway.

Densely immersed in bohemian influence, La Perla’s spring/summer 2009 truly stands out from the rest of the key league players. I guess name dropping would be unnecessary now.

Neat and feminine, the spring/summer collection starts with a slew of all white outfits and ensembles. Brimming with volumes and accentuating flairs, the beauty of the whites are further boost with folksy flower prints in silver thread that charmingly illuminates under the lights.

To reminisce the halcyon days of the seventies, a couple of flared bottom trousers were also spotted accompanying the enticing batch of whites.

Next, a second batch of more womanly pieces took the stage. This time, sexiness plays the subject matter. Playing with subtle colours and tones such as off-white and a bit of pallid jewel tone, seductive chiffon is used to create airy yet fluid sheer tie-front blouson and paired with satin hot pants that truly evoked the mid-year holiday spirit of the bygone days (again, drawing its style and mood reference from the overrated era called 70’s).

Besides ‘dangerously’ sheer tops, the dresses are incredibly made with lots of volumes were injected into hems. Billowy and not too dressy, some comes with below or high up above the sexy knees.

Using multi-layering technique, hints of laces, which is this year’s autumn/winter style de rigueur is also added to evoke classic mood. And don’t forget, reining atop trend charts next year is still the goddessy one shoulder dress.

By now, the evening set is taking its turn and the curtain should be down any minute. Luscious and luxurious, the gowns are made as airy as possible.

Soaked in jewel tone hues, be it the strapless sheath or a transparent long-sleeved robe worn with long dress in a beautiful shade of purple, they are the definite must have for spring/summer next year. Don’t forget to complement your style with chic gladiator sandals as well!

But it’s always the last part that intrigued me – the boho-chic off shoulder gown with creased neckline and long sleeves worn by model Lakshmi Menon. To be honest with you, she’s no more or less than a clone of, whom else if not Rachel Zoë, the influential fashion stylist of our days!

La Perla’s spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection will be available at La Perla boutiques and selected multi-brand retailers early next year.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for VOGUE/Style.com

La Perla - #02-12F, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872; Ground Floor, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini Pathunwan, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand; Gallerie Royal, 60 Ly Tahi To Street, Han Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.