NEW YORK, Sep 8, 2006/ FW/ --- This season designers are gaining inspiration from non-traditional holiday locations. Mara Hoffman is transforming summers in the Hamptons to more of a safari jungle holiday on the Côte d'ivoire.

The show began with a sea of black swimsuits with revealing cutouts, showing just enough skin. A kimono jumpsuit was an eye catcher along with a long chiffon sareo. Hoffman gave versatility to the usual cover-ups for swimwear including charmeuse dresses and elongated kaftans with hoods.

As the aqua colours flowed down the runway making the show more flirty and fun. More of the same silhouettes were enhanced by silk jersey and silk chiffon fabrications.

As more and more tropical mosaic prints arrived, the collection went into night quickly showcasing a beige crocodile silk charmeuse gown and a green crocodile chiffon mini dress.

These beautiful exotic prints were inspired by original drawings of Klee Van Schoonhoven and Mara Hoffman. The vibrant limes, greens, melons and fuchsia took center stage in floral prints on dashikis and more sareos.

A pair of black front tie high-wasted shorts styled with a simple white shirt defined the collection along with other simple silk jersey more wearable dresses.

The flowing silhouettes and the utilitarian pockets on dresses are definite staple styles for Mara Hoffman.