NEW YORK, Sep 13, 2004 / FW/ --- Last Saturday, on the anniversary of a day that changed New York and the western world forever, it was almost ironic that Brazilian Alexandre Herchcovitch made the dull faces smile.

In a garden of over 20,000 fresh flowers, the contemporary designer presented his summer 2005 collection that was shown earlier this season at Sao Paulo fashion week. Fresh and vibrant, innocent and avant-garde, he sent out extra large baby doll play dresses and short jumpsuits.

His wild roses wandered through the secret garden with cross over plaits on their faces like masks that hide their real feelings where expression rather, comes through their choice of dress.

A softer collection than one would usually expect from Herchcovitch, but a reflective one. Prints of floral and tribal recollections, stripes and checks mix and match for shirts and mini jackets with tuxedo round edge finishes, while the hooded dresses are definitely key pieces.

The show also marked the debut of the designer’s collaboration with historical world leader in jelly shoes, Melissa. ‘Juicy Melissa’, a multi colored lace up ballerina flat was featured in the show while Herchcovitch’s Gallery Collection for the Grendene Corporation (one of Brazil’s largest shoe design companies, selling nearly 140 million pairs of jelly shoes in 2003) will be available at high end department stores early next year.

Jane Austin night wear meets casual psychedelic ethnic, Alexandre Herchcovitch produced a well put together collection and reminds us all that summer, after all, is all about color and light.

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Alexandre Herchcovitch