By Iris Edén Santiago
Special to The Star
Warm spring days. Hot summer nights. Although we can wear summer attire all year long, we do love our fashion industry calendar. That said, we now transition from one season to another. Our wardrobe starts showing intense vibrant colors, loud floral prints and tropical dresses to match the idyllic vacation destination we call home, Puerto Rico.
Head-to-toe Caribbean elegance is all around you. We’ve got it all! Uplifting tropical weather and mood-boosting summer hues. Local fashion designer David Antonio knows very well how to turn the 2022 resort wear into a majestic feel-good collection.
His recent proposal translates into very wearable effortless glamour. Light fabrics, crisp Swiss cottons, and textured silk taffetas in a myriad of delicious colors such as pink, lime, yellow, very peri, lime, scarlet -- and ocean blue, not to be ignored this season.
The experienced designer, with a career that spans 38 years, presented oversized separates and cool dresses in bold stripes and floral prints for both men and women. Color combinations with yellow, fuchsia and emerald were loved by influencers and fashionistas in the crowd. Also winning, his print on print garments in black, white and gold with brocade accents and lace detailing. Whether you are enjoying a grand cruise or planning a high-end poolside soirée, this collection is for you.
Designed to be worn with sandals, platform shoes or sneakers, these are garments you want to mix and match. Clothes to wake up, grab and get out on the town. Uncomplicated. Not meant to overwhelm you or weigh you down, but to elevate you, and make you glow.
“Summertime is for fun, adventurous getaways, romantic beachside dinners,” said David Antonio. “Our clients trust us with their wardrobe. They look for glamour and style, and we give them exactly that. Also, versatility, accessibility.”
On the romantic side, a series of white dresses and kaftans. Beachy, comfy, lace-trimmed, long, or short. A summer wardrobe is never complete without some fancy, sexy and relaxed options in white, he noted.
If you plan to paint the town red, go for blue. Among the options for evening wear, David Antonio presented two spectacular gowns to shine in: a slimming sleeveless sheath in midnight azure embroidered with Byzantine blue sequins and beads, and a heart-shaped mermaid dress in very peri taffeta.
For ladies seeking extreme femininity, feathers. As seen at the Met Gala, Anna Wintour, Hailey Bieber, Eyza González and Emma Stone stole all the looks with feather-trimmed gowns and shawls. You can rock the look too, with David Antonio’s halter tops covered in white or black feathers. Paired with sophisticated high-rise, wide-leg trousers, these chic tops scream summer party dressing.