BOWS AT BAROCCO

He dressed models in ruffles and bows, with black and cream frocks that looked as effortless as a shot of chiffon wrapped and tied in a bow.

Sheer see-through blouses were worn with skinny skirts embroidered with bursts of chrysanthemums, a motif used both for neutral shades or powerful purple and crimson for evening wear. Swimwear — for these collections are nominally spring and summer 2009 — was draped rather than stretched over bodies in tanga-style all-in-ones. Stylishly subdued leopard and tiger print was used for the costumes and for soft, full silk or chiffon coats to throw over.

Scarpa, who is based in the lagoon city of Venice, took inspiration from its trademark fabrics and used damask and watermark prints alongside traditionally inspired lace.

Coffee and cream swirled on silk like a rainstorm on water while damask print trousers were topped with sheer chiffon blouses or embroidered lace tunics.

Necklines were slashed to the navel while hemlines were either ground level or high as the thigh. Scarpa flashed cornflower blue and tomato red into belts or shoes and then into full-length, flowing evening dresses for a dazzling finish. DJ AM injured in plane crash, Small audience for Primetime Emmys, MySpace boast nets partiers $320K, Paris Hilton’s eye color, What causes purple lips