LOS ANGELES, Oct 25, 2004/ FW/ --- The first of the two Canadians showing this week in Los Angeles, Arthur Mendonca kicked of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios with sexy clothes full of European flavor.

Canadian by birth, he grew up in Portugal; and the mix of the old world and the new world in his upbringing showed nicely in his Spring 2005 collection that showed promise and a bright future to the emerging designer.

Debuting on the Los Angeles runway, and in turn in the U.S. (his first ever collection was shown in Toronto during the Spring 2003 season), Arthur Mendonca proposed different shades of gray, lots of silver with a generous sprinkling of spring colors and prints.

Sticking to a very slim silhouette, the Arthur Mendonca lady is bold, polished and sexy, and unafraid to see and be seen. She’s not a peacock though. She is just very confident and very sure of her sexuality.

Handkerchief hemlines and slouchy pants gave an edgy feeling to the collection, something that the 20-something and 30-something generation would love. Though a very youthful collection, don’t be surprised if women on their 40s and 50s still go for it because there is a timeless element in the looks presented.

Arthur Mendonca also showed a mastery of tailoring techniques, draping and ruching that belies his young age. He made his models beauty goddesses and hopes to translate this to his ever-growing clientele.

Definitely a designer to watch in the Los Angeles fashion scene, and of course in his native Canada, specifically Toronto where he is based.

Arthur Mendonca

Arthur Mendonca

Arthur Mendonca

Arthur Mendonca