For Cuban-born designer Alvin  Valley, it's usually all about the pants.  Since opening his first store in Florida in the late nineties, Valley has attained near-cult status for his amazingly well-fitting trousers, which are equal parts modern business girl and old-school Katherine Hepburn in their design and construction.  Valley focuses on quality fabrics, great tailoring, and classic colors to present his Autumn/ Winter collection, which is sure to add many great staple pieces to your wardrobe.



You wouldn't think there would be so many different ways to do pants in grey, dark grey, brown, and the other neutral shades.  Somehow, though, Valley managed to send at least a dozen different pairs of his famous pants down the runway at his Autumn/ Winter 2007 show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles.  And, true to form, each pair was unique and was an amazing fit.  One of the great things about Valley's pieces is that even though you might pay more for them, they are so classic and made from such high-quality materials, you will have them for years to come.



To mix up the neutrals, Valley also injected splashes of color, from tomato red to canary yellow.  Valley also forayed briefly into skirts and dresses, including at least one frilly, 1920's inspired dress and a pencil skirt into the mix.  For the most part, though, audiences got to see variations on the pants for which he is so well known.  Several floral tops were also included in the collection, which overall seemed very wearable and chic.   If you're thinking that Valley's classic designs resist trends, you are correct: the designer himself says  'I don't see myself as a trendy designer.  My pieces are classic, and the concept has remained the same.  I like that sexy Latin woman who is not afraid of showing the body as an expression of herself' not in a cheapened way, not in a way where she looks tacky or cha-cha but in a way that showcases her best part, whether it's the back or the cleavage.  I'm obsessed with empowering women and making them beautiful.'  I have to say I'm a big fan of this designer, who makes even his fashion show clothes seem like they could fit right into my wardrobe (or yours). 



Another thing we noticed at this as well as several other Fashion Week shows were the hats' hand-knit, saggy hats that hang down the back of the head (with or without the hair tucked in).  Apparently these hats are making a comeback, though I must say I don't think this look is for everyone, especially not those for whom hair is a strong feature.   Do it right, and the saggy hat looks amazing and complements the outfit.  Do it wrong, and you can end up looking like Monica Lewinsky (and not in a good way).  I say try it at home, and be sure to ask your best friend or significant other if your head looks like a mushroom.

Lydia Hearst shows Alvin Valley how much she loves his new line.

Lori Culwell writes about fashion, beauty, current events, and the celebrity scene for several magazines.   You can find more of her writing on her blog, Funny Strange.

Photos by Marisa Youlden. To see more go to: www.myspace.com/marisayouldenjewelry

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