La Isla Exotica ... Gucci SS09

Who is that beauty walking on the runway at the opening of Gucci spring/summer 2009 show recently?

Is she the reincarnation of King Kong’s Ann Darrow (in brunette) who lost her way and ended up being at the fashion week? Or perhaps the stylishly toned down version of Mexican screen siren and the legendary ‘La Doña’ herself, the late actress Maria Felix?

Well, too many questions lingered in my mind the moment she walked the runway and awed fashion-hungry audiences. But no matter what it is, Frida Giannini’s magic touch once again bedazzled (almost) every fashion authorities at the Milan leg of the fashion week.

Aptly called “Gucci Exotica”, the show featured a well-balanced amounts of ensembles, dresses, and swimwear all saturated in plethora of exotic prints and rainbow colours (hence the name of the show).

Scrounging references from a multitude of style influences such as the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onnassis, former supermodel and actress Lauren Hutton, and perhaps a little bit of Halston, Giannini unite them all and beautifully turned those into a spectacular line of spring/summer must have pieces.

Running just a little from the norm, Gianinni has decided to give those boring tailored pantsuits a new lease of life by soaking them in a plethora of lively colours. From blue to coral, and even teal, I simply could not take my eyes away from the well-toned and colourful pantsuits.

Paired with classic shirts doused in inviting tropical prints and cool Panama hats, they are wholly made for those who are about to embark on annual Cruise along the Caribbean coasts or far away to Rio de Janeiro.

Besides the multi-coloured pantsuits, chic Bohemian daywear pieces are also made to die for. Items in printed materials such as mini chiffon goddess dress with belted waists, one-shoulder mini dress with short hems, belted boat neck short dresses with elongated butterfly sleeves, keyhole dress, and long halter gowns are the essential pieces that every discerning fashionistas should buy, beg, borrow, or if too desperate, steal.

Nonetheless, the plain pieces too are just as good as their printed counterparts. For those who are seeking sexier or sensual alternative to the edgy yet preppy pantsuits, you can look forward to safari-inspired cropped jacket and shorts ensemble.

Paired with a printed tube top, the shorts are belted while the jacket is flawlessly tailored with front pockets. If shorts aren’t your cuppa, then there’s another variation – belted skirt suit.

Incorporating military approach, the belted jacket has four deep front pockets and adorned with a splendid fabric belt in tri-colour ways. And complete your summer look with those spiky strappy high heels in loud shades and slouchy bags too!

Gucci’s spring/summer 2009 collection will be available at all Gucci boutiques and select multi-brand retailers worldwide early next year.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for Style.com/VOGUE

Gucci – Level 2 and 3, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.