MILAN, Sep 30, 2006/ FW/ --- If Max Mara was about the global village, its sibling label Sportmax focused on ‘the girl’ giving her what she wants and what she likes resulting to a collection that has eclectic references but still very directional.

As the press notes said, ‘colors, prints and irony, with an artistic outlook.’ There was op-art ala Picasso shown on color blocks on trench coats and shift dresses. There were the flower children as shown in the floppy hats decorated with flowers and as stylized prints reminiscent of the hippie movement.

There was a feeling of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ with gingham checks and drop waist skirts. There was ‘Annie Hall’ with wide-legged trousers and Capri-length pants and London’s mod era.

But, don’t think its derivative, because it is not. It is more of an emotion, the ‘I love being a girl’ feeling as colors and prints from David Hockney and Alex Katz filled the runway.

It’s modern, yet very evocative of romance, not the Victorian kind, but of today. There was even play on the word ‘ODD’ as the letters became belt buckles and buttons, that were sometimes actually put together to spell the word.

It’s springtime and summer, with the innovative blending of colors as strong and bright shades alternated with pastels and beige.

To simply say it is beautiful will be an understatement because ‘beautiful’ does not add the carefree emotion that the collection projects. Still, it is an exuberance that is restrained because elegance is also part of the equation.

And somehow, words are not enough to describe it, because how can someone put to words the elation that just simmers and does not explode; yet, the feeling is itching to get out. But, if you let out, then it will be uncivilized. And the collection is all about finesse and polish.

All one can do is smile and nod one’s head as Sportmax sent another winning collection on the runway.

Sportmax

Sportmax

Sportmax

Sportmax