NEW YORK, Sep 10, 2006/ FW/ --- Inspired by Palm Beach during the time when its inhabitants were in love with Baroque and Rococo details, James Coviello brought center stage once more the elegance and romance of a bygone era, this time focusing on the juxtaposition of the emerging American classicism with European extravagance.

Going back to a time when all clothing were made-to-measure and every high society woman had a personal seamstress, James Coviello put quilted rosettes and rickrack trims on the runway, evoking quaint luxe to his retro-modern looks.

Some would recognize these details as something that our grandmothers used to make, ‘homemaker details,’ as the James Coviello called them in his press notes.

And, in today’s high tech world where laser cuts and deconstruction are considered fashion forward, a step back in time to highlight old-fashioned arts and crafts is refreshing and touching.

While reintroducing these traditional items to the young generation, James Coviello spruced them up, resulting to serendipity of brand new aesthetics.

Translating the lush Floridan landscape to prints and different hues of pastel, the color palette is optimistic and joyful, perfect for spring when everything comes back to life after the cold winter.

From the lilac bird of paradise cotton tie-front skirt to the finale of a magenta watercolor print satin striped silk chiffon gown, James Coviello was at his best element as he mixed tailored pieces with flowing silhouettes.

Volume was controlled as he used slight sheering and ruching, but texture was well defined with old-world embroidery, openwork trim and appliqués.

James Coviello

James Coviello

James Coviello

James Coviello