Carlos Miele: Chic & Elegant
By Heide Winkenwerder
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 12, 2005 / FW / --- Carlos Miele's Fall/Winter 2005 collection was contemporary and traditional showing 32 exits of sexy, chic and elegant pieces.

Inspired by three cultural practices of the Candeal neighborhood (craftsmanship, the candomble religion, and music), Miele applied their daily practices and techniques to fashion.

He opened the show with four children from the Pracatum Association who performed live percussion during the show along with a soundtrack created by musician Carlinos brown and a video created by Miele bringing Candeal’s daily life to the runway.

The designer combined African, European and native cultures bringing together African gods and goddesses, catholic saints and Indian rites and took them to the catwalk at Bryant Park.

Incorporating natural dyes and Brazilian Indian feathers used to make headdresses into European garments worked beautifully and added extravagance to the pieces.

Cashmere, chiffon, satin, suede crochet, leather, cashmere knit, lycra, and wool knit were his choice of fabrics.

In hues of black, silver, grey, slate grey, beige, brown, green, mauve, moss, peach, and warm multi color prints.

Exquisite details of appliqués in pearl, floral, metal, fur, pleated, beaded, sequin, and tuxico as well as sewn in crease and macramé details all adding extravagance to each piece.

Presented in the very feminine flowing skirts with pleats in knee and floor lengths, below and above the knee dresses, jackets, sweaters and coats all highlighting that very sexy silhouette of the woman wearing it.

Using popular cultural elements with the Brazilian handcrafted techniques in his collection, Carlos Miele is able to support communities in need through gainful employment, educational opportunities and social integration.

Well done and congratulations Carlos Miele for continuing to do what you do best and for continuing to support the needy at the same time giving the fashion industry that very wonderful and sexy pieces season after season.

Carlos Miele

Carlos Miele

Carlos Miele

Carlos Miele