Louis Verdad Spring 2006 - Confident and Structured for Spring 2006

For most of us, the name Louis Verdad was first heard alongside Madonna during her 'Reinvention' tour. The irony in this lies within the designer's consistent vision of a 40's-inspired woman, far from the constantly evolving 'material girl,' though one common thread between the two artists is a strong sense of confidence.

 

That is exactly what Verdad opened with for Spring 2006, a bustled jacket paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt in taupe silk shantung. From there on he reminded us that a confident woman relies heavily on structure by way of micro-cropped jackets in glen plaid and crisp poplin blouses on top of pinstripe pants.

The most casual of floral and dotted day dresses halfway were belted, its front pockets with bold, black piping. But Verdad was quick to point out his use of jersey. By the time the fabric was incorporated into a look, silk charmeuse dresses in quartz and lilac - shirred, pleated, and notched at the sleeves gave way to the end of a 50-look show. These were definitely statements that can be made in Hollywood.

In attendance were red carpet regulars Lucy Liu in a crisp white bustier cap-sleeved shirt and Paris Hilton with new sidekick Kimberly. Both 'celebutants' seemed unimpressed by ruffled tops and tiered skirts until a model came out into the runway with chihauhua in tow.

But it was a pink silk '40's Club Dress' near the end that could be seen on either Lucy Liu or Paris Hilton to the next premiere and why not, it had already received approval by a collective gasp and applause from the audience.

Having closed L.A. Fashion Week for several seasons, Verdad was now the opener. When asked about his next move backstage, the designer hinted at the possibility of showing Fall 2006 in New York. Perhaps this will be his way of reinventing himself.

pictures by Getty Images