Gowns of Oceanic Enchantment

Keeping with the aquatic and tropical-themed posts, today’s focus is on fashions reminiscent of the ocean.

Maui’s popular boutique Enchantress carries feminine apparel fit for a sparkling woman. Upon entering the boutique during my vacation last week, my attention was enraptured by a gown by designer Ema Savahl.

Lycra mesh paired with hand-made floral detail make an unexpectedly exquisite garment. “Pattern, dimension, and texture”* compose each artistic gown. Her work is defined as being focused on “color, and composition; it’s expressly wearable art and without limitations”.

I was drawn to this peach colored gown with complementing flowers and Swarovski crystal detail...

The Maui Enchantress boutique carries evening and wedding gowns that portray not only artistic expression but of flirty and mystical appeal. Instead of seeing tradition bead work and conservative silhouettes, Ema Savahl apparel appears to be crafted from the sea. Her designs feature form-fitting skin-bearing shapes fit for a mermaid. The garments are composed of fabric whose weight reflects a gown dripping with water.

For further information and visual stimulation visit http://www.emasavahl.com/.

Basix II is another label worth noting. Young silhouettes are made elegant with rich bead work and detail. The feminine figure is the focus in each gown.

During my Hawaiian shopping excursion, I came across a black cocktail dress with turquoise and sea blue bead detailing along the neckline--the rich detail clustered like shells on a sea shore.

Though I could not find an image of this treasure, I found some other tastefully bejeweled gowns...

Reminiscent of the sun’s rays sparkling on the ocean’s surface

A vision of sand scattered across this floor length dress

Ema Savahl and Basix II both remind me of oceanic apparel through their feminine, form-fitting silhouettes and flirty detailing. The New York Times Thursday Style section also encourages its readers to “Think Beach, Without Water” in its June 24th issue.

While form-fitting attire is always sexy, so too are the shapes of loose, draping apparel. According to NYT “long and loose is back”**.

Think Beach, Without Water

Make the beach your inspiration this summer. You have so many options to choose from—including tight and loose silhouettes, refreshing colors (refer to FF’s last post), and flirty fabrics.

*http://www.emasavahl.com/
**http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/fashion/24POINTS.html?scp=1&sq=think%20beach%20without%20water&st=cse

Hawaiian Sunset: Spilling of Color

The colors of Hawaii are picturesque—painting the landscape in eye-appealing array. Brilliant green palm trees and tropical vegetation set themselves against the backdrop of a soothing blue sky and sparkling ocean. Splashes of bright pink and orange flowers accessorize the exquisite display of the island’s nature.

The first night of my family’s Hawaiian retreat offered a magical sunset. We ate at the famed MA LA restaurant. Eating fresh fish and drinking local Longboard brews, the sun shone brightly onto our table. As we finished our meal with the Holtzinger women’s dessert of choice, chocolate lava cake, we witnessed the sun dip into the ocean, taking its final breath of day. There are few things more beautiful than a sunset in Hawaii.

On a walk after a big Father’s Day dinner, the sun shone a variety of striking hues as it became engulfed by the flat blue sea. Our mouths stood agape as we joined other tourists in watching the magical sunset.

On Monday of this week, I was determined to capture the incredible scene. Around 7:30 pm I ran down to the beach in my still-damp bikini, a Stella Artois in one hand and a camera in the other. The sun burned the sky as it spilled red, orange, and yellow color. Through the eye of my camera I watched hues intensify until the final sliver of light sunk below the water. Following the climax of the sunset, the sky softened in gentle blue, purple, and grey—a remnant of orange still streaking the sky.

To think that the sun provides this production each day is amazing! Hawaii is a well of inspiration. Pantone, “world renowned authority of color”, awarded turquoise (inspired by tropical water and sky) as color of the year. Visit Pantone Color of the Year for 2010 for more professional insight.

It is a new day. After a morning run and breakfast, it is time for a little more skin-bronzing, ocean-swimming, and book reading. Oh yes, and I’m looking forward to that sunset again tonight! Aloha.