Hamptons in the Tropics ... Elie Tahari SS09

Dark clouds are ascending over the global economic climate and starting next year, expect extreme cost-cutting moves by business giants and not to mention, mass retrenchments.

In the fashion world, top notch fashion houses and renowned designers too have taken similar but not so extreme measures of cost-cutting for the sake of business.

Rumours have it that starting next year onwards, fashionistas could no longer look forward to grand scale fashion events or perhaps, there won’t be free-flowing Dom Perignons anymore at both local and international high society fashion-related parties. Ah, isn’t that sad?

Among safety measures taken by fashion designers include less use of luxe materials as well as designing investment pieces that surely sell. Since spring has always been known for its abundance of joy and colours, many designers opt to have their garments splashed with a garden of exotic flowers in hues that transcend your wildest reverie. Besides, spring garden prints have always been a classic hit among the stylish ladies.

At the recent New York fashion Week, designer Elie Tahari brings forth the spring and summer spirit to another height by taking his fans for a trip into the tropical rainforest wilderness.

Imposing much of a resort/cruise collection look rather than the typical ready-to-wear style, Tahari’s SS09 collection is authentically brimmed with lush yet airy fabric swathed in a thousand and one prints varying from batik-inspired paintings of red, luscious hibiscus to the nonchalant yet ageless English garden prints.

Dresses with elongated billowy skirts and cool separates dominated the collection. All doused in striking working pallet of enchanting tropical colours and basics.

While a one-week trip to the African game reserve somewhere in the South Africa might become another unaffordable luxury for most of the fashion elites, they can simply find comfort or solace in classic reptile prints on classy chiffon. Just like a remarkable skirt suit ensemble with lapelled belted sleeveless top and short pencil skirt.

Other newsworthy garments that should make their way into your spring wardrobe early next year would be billowy goddess dresses with deep plunging v-neckline, printed short halter dress with flair on left shoulder and billowy hem; a stunning yet sexy wraparound dress in grey-blue ombré, as well as vintage-inspired swimwear in tropical island print.

Don’t forget to accessorize your spring/summer looks with some chunky semi-precious stone necklaces and belts with silver crescent buckles.

Elie Tahari’s spring/summer 2009 collection will be available at selected multi-brand retailers and Elie Tahari’s standalone boutiques worldwide starting early next year.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for Style.com/VOGUE

Elie Tahari at The Link – Level 2, 1 Nassim Road #2-00, Singapore 258458.