LOS ANGELES, Oct 28, 2004/ FW/ --- Signing her press notes ‘Peace, Love & Bikini,’ Ashley Paige set the tone of her Spring 2005 collection of 1970s inspired swimwear with a touch of country and rock n’ roll.

With Harper Valley PTA as background music, the audience was already enamored with the show even before the first model wearing baby blue bikini and brown top came out.

And keeping with the theme of country music, all the models wore cowboy boots throughout the whole show.

Paige who dedicated the show to her granny who recently passed away and raised her on “country music, biscuits and gravy,” explained the seeming disparity between the background mural photo of a country road and the cowboy boots.

‘There’s no beach in sight!’ a member of the audience whispered to someone. But all was forgiven as the Florida-native sent out sexy and turbo-charged swimsuits to die for.

From boy shorts bikinis and bustier tops, one piece maillots and ankle-length covers in knits, Ashley Paige want to make sure that her ladies enjoy their summers to the fullest.

The designer also showed an inkling of going into dresses in the future as she sent cute strapless minis and striped knits on the runway, pretending to be swimsuit covers, but in all actuality they can be worn as dresses anytime and anywhere.

To the tune of “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Ashley Paige sent the swimsuits that brought down the house – riveted and studded swimwear that can only be called sexy, because truly, there is no word that fits the description best.

And though the models are pretty and the collection is very beautiful, it was man’s best friend who received the loudest applause. Ashley Paige who is very active in rescuing abandoned and abused dogs sent several canines on the runway who are looking for a good home.

Personally, that brought tears to my eyes. As the owner of a Welsh corgi, I know and understand how much love these animals can give. Let’s just hope that they find homes soon so that they don’t spend the rest of their lives in the animal shelter.

As for the collection, Ashley Paige received a standing ovation from the audience that included Harry Hamlin and Lara Flynn Boyle.

Ashley Paige

Ashley Paige

Ashley Paige

Ashley Paige