NEW YORK, Sep 14, 2006/ FW/ --- It was fitting that Sigourney Weaver was sitting front row when Michael Vollbracht unveiled the Bill Blass Spring 2007 collection that made references to the 1980s and seemingly inspired by the movie ‘Working Girls’ where Ms. Weaver played a leading role.

Opening with a sand matte jersey skirt suit, Vollbracht set the tone to his perfectly coherent collection that ran the gamut from daywear to eveningwear for the women at both 5th and Madison Avenues.

Hip-hugging miniskirts were paired with suit jackets, the sleeves rolled up to the crook of the elbow, a definitive 1980s styling. But instead of looking dated, the look was actually modern, thanks to Vollbracht’s vividly colored loose-fitting tops and blouses that completed the neutral shades of khaki.

Belts are as accessories are must for this collection. Used to emphasize the waist, the belts gave the garments a certain charm and femininity, even the more mannish looking suit dresses.

Trousers are slouchy and wide-legged, with pleats in front. Using ruffles as embellishments on the soft, monochrome printed blouses, the silhouettes are feminine and graceful.

Still, it was with the eveningwear that Vollbracht was truly in his element. Masterfully executed cocktail dresses and gowns are highly desirable and covetable.

Taut bodices that emphasized the torso were given ruffled necklines for a romantic look. Balloon skirts with the hem rolled up and embroidered shift dresses are subtle in their sensuality and allure.

Speaking of allure, the flowing gowns are red carpet material, while the finale, a wedding was simply beautiful with its artisan level embroidery and subtly glittering with Swarovski crystal.

At 48 exits shown, it was a big collection, but the audience was never bored at any point in time. In fact, when Michael Vollbracht came out immediately after the last exit, there was disappointment in the air because everyone realized that there would be no models’ parade as an ending.

Bill Blass

Bill Blass

Bill Blass

Bill Blass

Bill Blass