Model Christina from The Janice Dickinson's Modeling Agnecy

Acting as the concert opener for the 80's vocalist- Morris Day- designers Franco+Russe (along with four other urban-wear lines) strutted their gear across the runway onboard The Queen Mary to reveal a plethora of different styles for the young and urban fashion-guru.

The show began with an amateur start. The first couple of designers were rather unimpressive and unprofessional. One model actually stepped onto the catwalk and hit an immediate U-turn once struck with stage fright. The earlier looks were also simple and ordinary in design (your every-day booty short paired with a common sexy tank-top offset by full-body, floral patterned wrap dresses). Most of the designs one could find at any discount retailer in the 'every-income friendly' fashion district of Huntington Park.

With little high-fashion or cutting-edge inspiration to be found in the opening designers, I was happy to see the energy of the crowd rise when the designers of Filthy Threads- a coed urban line- hit the floor. In the style of Rocawear or BabyPhat, Filthy Threads managed to entice the crowd of middle-aged R&B groupies as their confident, voluptuous women and street-styled men hit the catwalk sporting young, trendy, stylized hip-hop gear.

With the crowd thoroughly warmed-up, and the space around the modest stage shrinking from an open, checkered dance floor to a claustrophobic pathway, it was time for the trade show to climax. Right on cue, Alisa Lozov and Olivia Buchon lit up the stage with their line of 'romantic rock-star' coats, jackets, belted blouses and woven tops named after their native countries- Franco+Russe.

'Cool, comfortable, sheik, and a total pleasure to wear', remarked Model Christina (better known as 'Stina') from The Janice Dickinson's Modeling Agency before she hit the runway. I could tell that she meant her words as she strolled gracefully down the catwalk giving eye-sex to her audience in her finely tailored, soft green, knee-length autumn coat, which could easily be worn as an outfit all to itself.

Long, sleek coats with low coat necklines were sported by models ready to grace the classiest celebrity venues. Shorter, belly-bearing, jackets were worn by girls desiring to give off that 'naughty or nice' appeal. The designers personally handcrafted every button, stretch of fabric and piece of embroidery to perfection.           

Thigh-length, woven and embroidered shirts- worn as the dresses all by themselves- proved to be the most innovative part of the line. Floral patterns and earthy prints draped loosely over the models and were fitted to their frames with trendy belts. Beautiful woman, one-after-another, dashed the stage sporting these 'shirt-dresses' as though they were taking a casual stroll on a hot day, all the while completely aware every man in site is giving a double-take.

'Crazy, sexy, cool', Model Anastasia (and good friend of Alisa) remarks about the style of the line as just the right amount of cleavage pops from her perfectly fitted, v-neck cut jacket. The perfect mix of sex and sophistication! These tops are sure to make an impact in style and fashion in the upcoming season. No wonder celebs like Christina Sisco- 'As the World Turns'- are all ready sporting these one of a kind pieces (as seen in the July 2006 issue of CBS Soaps)

Wearable for any occasion: big or small; formal or casual; the Ritz or the Queen Mary, designers Franco+Russe have accomplished a diverse line of jackets and tops with a touch of class and a pinch of sex to be worn by the young, flirty good-girl or the naughty older woman. Franco+Russe is sold in over 300 boutiques nationwide, as well as, Canada, Europe and Latin America. For more information about the line, please visit the designers' website at www.francorusse.org.

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