By Iris Edén Santiago
Special to The Star
We are fascinated by spies. The mystery, the adventures, the impeccable wardrobes. Who doesn’t love intriguing movies where operatives on top secret missions travel to luxurious destinations with suitcases full of haute couture?
On the big screen this irresistible world of glamour and danger has been successfully portrayed in characters like James Bond, Ethan Hunt, Evelyn Salt, Ilsa Faust and countless Bond Girls, among others.
The ever exciting and fabulous lives of spies and spooks inspired Puerto Rican fashion designer Juan Carlos Collazo’s most recent collection for San Juan Moda VIP.
Presented at The Condado Plaza Hilton, “Spy Games” is a luxurious proposal that immediately reminds you of exotic movie sets, decadent casinos and action scenes where female agents hunt down their target in sequined ball gowns and heels.
With weapons, props and dramatic moves on the runway, the Aibonito native successfully transferred the look of onscreen spies to local models who wore very chic and very sparkling ensembles. There is glitter, sequins, embroideries, piping and fringes, perfect for the ongoing festivities this season. You will find elegant, bold and cool options in men’s, women’s and gender-fluid looks. These are styles that appeal to everyone, younger generations and also confident partygoers who love to impress.
We loved the structured suits, high-shine textures, metallic fabrics, jumpsuits, pleated mini skirts, gold pants and capes. Beautiful body-hugging cross-cross bodices embellished with beads and artisanal detailing were favorites with the crowd.
Collazo, whose career spans 15 years, is very fashion forward. He loves risks. For “Spy Games” the 38-year-old blends 1990s luxe with current trends like super-high slits and extreme cutouts. We saw sheer dresses and a lot of skin: crop tops, corseted bodices, halter tops and strapless necklines.
Also seen, the revival of the Y2K movement, so much en vogue for fall and winter 2022. Underwear as outerwear is huge with big designer labels in Europe, Asia and America. Collazo presented glittering briefs and bras under see through skirts and tops. Even men wore stylish bras under jackets and blouses. This is a trend that won acceptance globally and is here to stay.
Another winning look? High-waisted short shorts or the new trend in hot pants, Korean style. These shorts are sexy and slimming. And well styled -- they can take you from a casual outing to after-hours activities.
“This collection is varied, elegant and fun,” Collazo noted as he talked about the 31 looks presented during the show. “It is an experience; (“Spy Games”) is a story I began building up on the internet, weeks before the show. The night of the show my guests were eager to see it. They wanted to experience it and find out in person the result of the story.”
For appointments and more information, @juancarloscollazocouturier.