High-Fashion High

Custo Barcelona, an Italian design team that meshes a little of Versace’s bold spunky colors with Dolce & Gabbana’s funky styles in creations completely all its own has a little medieval and a little gypsy mixed into its line for Fall 2006.

It’s more of the scoop-neck design and the pouffed sleeves at the shoulder that make this motley-colored dress work–not to mention it’s sexy hemline. But any sly lady can tone it down with these to-die-for strappy platform Mary Janes and knee-high stockings. Custo Barcelona keeps the chic peasant look going in a blouse and skirt combo. The bottom hem of the blouse looks like a knight’s armor, but it is feminine enough to add some pop to a simple black mini-skirt.

“I Dream of Jeannie”—this is what comes to my mind when I see this sexy cutout blouse with ornate pajama bottoms. A gal with confidence could easily get away with this for a high-fashion evening soiree (or just a night out with the girls). I personally love Custo because of their complete mix of styles all within one line. Take this schoolgirl look, for example (no, I don’t mean Britney either!!!). A lilac silky tailored blouse with the trademark “C” looks so sweet with a pleated skirt and a tiny gold belt adorning the model’s hips. With this outfit, the knee-high stockings are a must to complete it for day, or try going bare-legged for the evening.

And last but certainly not least, Custo’s flowered dress and cape are an evening stand-out. No, this isn’t just fabric with flowered designs—it’s the threads woven into flowers that make me look at this and think, “Now which young starlet is going to show up wearing this one?”