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THIS PAGE: Claudio Cosano, one of Argentina’s best.

Not only is Claudio Cosano a successful ready-to-wear and haute couture designer, he is one of the top bridal wear designers in the country with an ever-expanding clientèle

   The eveningwear showcase was yet another fine example of the wonderful talent out in the world that is not represented on the world stage in the four major fashion capitals of the world. Venezuelan Franco Montoro’s style can be best described as a ‘balance between avant-garde and popular trends’. He may not be a household name but Mr Montoro’s designs as presented in Miami are an indication of the deep talent within. He really does strike a delicate balance between going out on a limb and being market-aware that bodes well for his future in the industry.
   I found many pieces in this collection to be worthy of mention and praise. He showed a flirty white dance skirt that is a perfect accompanying piece tow woman’s summer wardrobe. Ditto for his white cargo pants with side pockets and drawstring hems.
   His most successful pieces were the ones that were elegant and edgy at the same time. The best example of this was his white cocktail suit. The jacket had three-quarter-length sleeves with fringe detailing and paired with a lightweight skirt that had a ribbon-cut hemline. I also thought that his black wrap evening blouse (with lace trim) and paired with a black–white ball gown skirt was very youthful. In terms of hemlines, he showed mini-, midi- and maxi-skirts—all paired with tops that are lovely.
   Because he is also a renowned jewellery designer, his complete presentation had that added gloss of being very well thought-out and cohesive. The jewellery shown was the icing on the cake, especially the gold-and-black jade necklace. It was an intricate spider web of beauty, much like the piece worn by the Oscar-nominated Queen Latifah at the 2003 Academy Awards.
   Argentinean Claudio Cosano is one of the top designers in his country, with a highly recognizable style where colour, texture, and other important detailing have invested his designs with a ‘sensual and feminine attitude’. Not only is he a successful ready-to-wear and haute couture designer, he is one of the top bridal wear designers in the country with an ever-expanding clientèle. For Mr Cosano, it’s all about the tailoring, the fit of the designs and the overall finish that defines his enduring success. This attention to detail was present for all to see at his show in Miami where he also have an office and his designs is embraced by women there with an eye for spotting class and value.
   He is equally strong in both daywear and eveningwear designs. This was evident by the way he managed to infuse the day pieces with fun accents without taking away from their stated purpose. The best example of this was his white fitted jacket paired with a black A-line flirty skirt. His evening pieces were also quite amazing. He showed a red ‘vavoom’ starburst gown that was definitely a cut above the rest. Other standout pieces included his black beaded gown (with sheer lace side detailing) and a white jacket paired with a white chiffon cocktail dress—both with gold butterfly accents.

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