MIAMI BEACH, April 4, 2001/ --- It may have been Latin Fashion Week in Miami, but Friday's couture showcase proved that high fashion is indeed an international concept.

Sandra Posada designer from El Salvador, has already moved into that world by setting up shop in Houston, Texas.

Again, color was the main story. But it was Posada's use of pattern - like an oversized hounds tooth check - that set her apart.

And while the abundant flower embellishments she used may have seemed very 'last season' to the rest of the world, the work of Posada and her fellow designers looked like a perfect fit.

One of Bolivia's most renowned designers, Rosita Hurtado (photo at right) followed the general theme of the week with a brightly colored collection.

Sexiness was also the order of the day for Hurtado, who showed revealing cowl-neck tops and skirts with thigh-high side slits.

With pieces like a pleated chiffon toga over an embellished bandeau, Hurtado gave a nod not only to her market in Bolivia, but also the world beyond. (photo below)

Although some of the looks from designers like Helene Breebaart, Ani Alvarez-Calderon, Rosita Hurtado, Sandra Posada and Lydia Roca may have lacked the polish of more established couture collections, they stood out as a high point in the week's schedule.

Breebaart, a Frenchwoman living in Panama, used jungle and sea motifs throughout her elegant line.

Sea blue tops were shaped like fish, and a sheer white caftan came emblazoned with an oversized fuchsia flower.

By using such colorful symbols, Breebaart gave energy to a series of white linen looks and transformed her models into creatures of the sea and jungle. And a beautiful transformation it was.

Peruvian designer Lydia Roca relied on sheer and luminescent fabrics like tulle, chiffon and silk for her collection.

While the designer did show a number of brightly colored pieces, she displayed a more subdued palate than most of her contemporaries.

Lydia Roca

Lydia Roca

Lydia Roca

A series of black, grey and green evening gowns were primed for charity ball wear; nothing shocking, but certainly a well conceived line.

Ani Alvarez-Calderon, also of Peru, created invigorating, attractive looks that hit on several current trends.

Putting a modern spin on the peasant look, Alvarez-Caleron showed petticoat skirts layered in multiple tiers, tailored jackets and shirts in toreador silhouettes.

The skirts, resembling full minis with rainbow colored underskirts, offered a multicultural twist on the dirndl and balloon skirts that have graced the runways in recent seasons.

And in a refreshing take on the androgynous trend, Alvarez-Calerdon showed pieces with a toreador look like slim black pants and sleeveless tuxedo shirts that were both sheer and ruffled.

For the most part, Alvarez-Calderon's looks were stunning, and certainly quite salable.

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada

Sandra Posada