The Event: the DE & DR show [Don Eduardo et Donna Rosallina], US launch
Timestamp: Thursday, July 12, @ 8:30pm
Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Photographs, J. Ecochard
The back-story:Italian designer, Deborah Martinelli Bonavia debuted her first collection of beachwear for [mostly women], men, and children giving US buyers and Press an idea of just how comprehensive her line is.
Breaking it down, the line consists of four main groups: women’s collection, family luxury beachwear, resort [cover-ups], and diamond-cut couture, which means, made-to-measure swimsuits that are produced in an authentic couture manner. This is an appealing idea, as we noticed that quite a few of the designer swimsuits at other shows didn’t fit the models as perfectly as we assumed they would, at this level of design. Prior to launching her swim collection, Ms. Bonavia designed swimwear collections for Krizia, Kenzo, and Roberto Cavalli.
Ms. Bonavia presently lives and designs in her London atelier with partners Rico and Pierandrea Semeraro, who are members of one of the most influential families in Puglia, Southern Italy. In addition to their involvement with DE & DR they have investments in real estate, entertainment, food and wine.
The DE & DR show at the Beachway Tent, the Raleigh Pool: Even If you’re not a hat lover, you’ll love the huge sunflower hat that opened the show and accessorized the matching sunflower yellow one-piece maillot. The sheer multi colored dresses, in both long and short lengths are a cinch for beach to brunch dressing.
Accessories have become an important component in the swim/resort shows and that was no exception here. The most stylish bag of the week was Ms. Bonavia’s garagantuan cream, navy and red color block Birkin –esque bag that looked great with an equally enormous floppy canvas hat that would make it impossible to see the wearer’s face. Stars-in-hiding, take note!
For sporty types, there’s a two-piece marigold and tangerine sunburst suit in the DEDR Active range.
Italian designers have long been getting kudos for their elegant design aesthetic. Although it’s hard to image a thong bikini being elegant, Ms. Bonavia’s were, especially her cream tie front halter with narrow orange piping.
Sportswear was well represented although we were somewhat puzzled by the complicated grape colored gown that seemed to attach with jeweled ropes. It was an interesting proposition but fell a bit short, as it looked overworked in comparison to the rest of the well-executed easy pieces on the runway. On the flip side, the designer managed to breathe new life into the hackneyed nautical theme. The navy linen mini dress with tiny clusters of dangling seed pearls sewn on the front was a winner, no question. Wear it over the white bikini top and high waisted black bottom, both accessorized with tiny self-covered buttons and you’ll be the chicest woman at the Club.