DALLAS, May 11, 2007/ FW/ --- After delving into romance and ethnicity, Barbara Bui turned her eyes to military history from the gladiators to future soldiers, gave their uniforms her rock & roll attitude to dress up club kids from downtown to uptown.

Let’s start from down up, beginning with the shoes. Proposed with laces or snaps, they’re inspired by military boots. Given stacked heels, it’s great for clubbing, and anything in between school, work and home.

The beige separate, i.e., sheered skirt and short-cropped blouse with petal shoulders that actually look like a part of a knight’s armor, the hallway fashionista just got it made. The same outfit done in leather, it’s tough chic with a girlish charm.

High-waisted pencil skirts in varying hemline lengths were teamed with pullover sweaters or soft patent leather tops. Trousers are pencil slim, again, proposed in soft patent leather. Paired with a tank top with square grommets, it’s for the club kid. Just give the fur tunic or fur windbreaker to the coat valet, one can go straight to the dance floor.

Bustier tops that look like breastplates, skater skirts that look like armors, the military influence was definitely there. But, instead of looking militaristic, it looked rebellious, hence the description militant.

To say that it’s a fun collection will be only part of the story. Its charm is based on tough chic, but it is not streetwear. It’s sophisticated, but not snobbish. It’s futuristic but does not look sci-fi.

And that is truly the charm of this collection. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but its definitely covetable and aspirational.

Barbara Bui

Barbara Bui

Barbara Bui

Barbara Bui