With a run of the show that incorporated names like Ibiza, Cannes, Capri, Santorini, and St. Tropez, the inspiration for Chaiken’s Spring 2008 collection was readily identifiable. The mere mention of such exotic island getaways tucked along the Mediterranean and French Riviera conjures up of images of romantic, playful holidays with friends and loved ones, where the only accessories required are a wide brimmed straw hat and an oversized pair of sunglasses. There wasn’t the sense of exclusivity one might expect from these ports of call, but rather an ease and accessibility to the thirty-nine ensembles unveiled during New York Fashion Week by the company’s namesake. Julie Chaiken designs her collection to fit into a woman’s life. “Everyone wants to look great,” noted the designer, “She doesn’t want to think about it or look like she’s trying too hard.”

CEO and founder, quintessential California Girl, Julie Chaiken combines her business acumen and passion for style to create clothing that celebrates the lifestyle and desires of modern women. Her talents and entrepreneurial vision have established Chaiken as an industry leader. After earning her MBA from New York University, the designer launched her eponymous line, successfully combining the essence of American sportswear with a fresh, modern perspective. The following year, Barneys New York introduced the line to consumers and the company quickly gained momentum and developed a fiercely loyal customer base.

From fashion editors to business professionals, socialites to hip moms—women love Chaiken. Designer, Julie Chaiken is passionate about the clothes she makes and the women who wear them. Her lifestyle-inspired collection of fashion forward, sensuous and truly wearable clothing has a loyal and fashionable following. According to the company website, Ms. Chaiken established the first collection in 1994, putting her instantly on the map with fashion’s most amazing fitting pants. While her pants have become a Chaiken signature, her label has evolved into a full ready-to-wear collection that spans sportswear, outerwear, maternity, swimwear, and evening dresses.

Chaiken has a faithful following of sexy, stylish, strong women of all ages, united by a universal desire—to look good and feel good. These sophisticated women include celebrity devotees like Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Brooke Shields, and Oprah Winfrey. All pieces in each collection embrace the designer’s own philosophy of how to dress. “Any woman should simply feel great in what she’s wearing,” says Ms. Chaiken. “I think: What would she want to wear to work today? To dinner later? ” And therein lies the real appeal of Chaiken clothes: they fit real bodies, real lives, and real personal style.

Julie Chaiken understands her customer because she is her customer. Take the inspiration behind Chaiken Profile: Every woman has favorite fits and cuts that never go out of style thus; Chaiken Profile developed signature silhouettes and styles in a variety of alternative fabrics and colors. The same concept was behind the creation of Chaiken Maternity. When celebrities and friends came to her asking for maternity designs, Ms. Chaiken found inspiration in her own life. Now a mother of two, she created modified versions of the key styles for each season. “You don’t give up your personal style just because you get pregnant.”

My favorite all-time band, also known as the Rolling Stones, and the Jackson Five provided the soundtrack for the runway presentation with remixed versions of “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Dancing Machine.” The sea and sand inspired-color palette consisted primarily of white, navy, sea foam, aqua, and taupe. Stellar standouts included: a classic white twill suit; the Midnight Corinthian brocade halter atop a white high-waisted trouser; a porcelain shore swing jacket with striped sheer tank and brocade crop pant; the silver cloud pleated silk dress; a silk chiffon champagne pleated tiered dress; and the zinc pleated long dress. Ah Summer…as we wave goodbye to the current season, longer days grow shorter, nights turn cooler, and we turn our attention to the building of a proper fall wardrobe with all its essentials. A collection like this inspires a dream for the forthcoming season and where we can only hope to summer next year, perhaps one of those aforementioned islands, and thanks to Julie Chaiken we’ll have the perfect wardrobe for our very own Roman Holiday!

Images provided courtesy of Felle Photography, for additional images and information, please visit, http://felleportfolio.com/
   

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