L.A. FASHION IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

Autumn/Winter 2007-8 Ready-to-Wear

War & Peace. It's on our minds daily and Collection Bebe used its fashion platform to make a political statement. The collection, designed by the astute couture hand of David Cardona, began with inspiration from the state of the world and how everyone is longing for peace. The collection, which is sold only at select Bebe stores, launched just three seasons ago. 

Cardona, former designer for Cerutti, has dressed his share of Hollywood "It" girls with the couture collection. The list includes Mischa Barton and Eva Longoria, the new face of Bebe Sport, who was seated in the front row. Penny Marshall, Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn, the new face of Collection Bebe, also joined the front row line-up.

This season, Cardona explored the contrasts of war and peace. He juxtaposed military styles with edgy futuristic looks and used the structure of masculine tailoring to contrast the curves of the feminine form. It was toy soldier meets sexy little doll. Cardona said the collection wasn't originally meant to be a political statement, but he and British stylist, Paula Bradley, ran with the theme. No stranger to theatrics, Bradley's styling experience includes the Pussycat Dolls and iconic Eighties musicians Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and Sinead O'Connor. 

There were sleek, sharply tailored military officer coats, iridescent taffeta trenches and masculine suits. Hooded utility vests and leather jackets with elaborate stand-up collars were decorated with gold zippers and styled with white officer's belts and gloves. Sleek patent leather details and armour-like stretch leather pants gave a nod to the future.

Cardona contrasted the tailored looks with Alaia-inspired bondage mini dresses in wool jersey and patent leather. A long slinky gown in cayenne red jersey with black leather criss-cross banding left little to the imagination and a green-and-yellow graphic camouflage print gown will surely be worn by a daring diva.

Peace symbols decorated everything from jewellery and scarves to jackets and a white finale gown. Although a bit distracting, the symbols will hopefully help drive the message home. "If clothing could only inspire peace that would be something amazing," said Cardona.

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March 18 2007 | N. Jayne Seward

Source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2007/ready-to-wear/collection-bebe