Sunday, November 08, 2009
By Aneka Stewart
IWFW PRESS

Nassau, Bahamas -- Hibiscus. Golden sunset. Sharp edges. Murielle Leconte’s fabulous garments, jewelry and clutches were nothing short of extraordinary.

Born in Port- Au Prince, Haiti, Leconte craves fashion in any form. Designing everything from men, women and children’s clothing to handbags, jewelry, decorative pillows, paintings, scarves and tableware, she has made her mark on canvases in the fashion world.

On Saturday night, the lights flicked revealing full-bodied black leotards, accented by nautical blue Burlap with a golden flap. An array of shimmering colors added a flashy flair to smooth clutches with shades of amber, apple green, baby blue, bronze, red and white. Leconte’s eye for island styles was in full effect.

There is no doubt that she embraces her roots as Haitian paintings were the highlight of her unique pieces. The flap of clutches featured vertical and horizontal lines with multi colored curves resembling those of flower stems. Those prints were also evident on shirts and dresses as they added that extra touch to her designs.

A flamboyant edge was not missing from her creations as Leconte designed costumes for Haitian Carnivals in the past. And with that another clutch was carried out with hints of red, blue and white like a Haitian flag.

There was a party going on and you didn’t want to miss it!

Joining this fashion fiesta was another eco- friendly Burlap bag with wooden handles. Her bags were not limited to squared shapes but also circular ones with dents at the sides.

Every piece presented by Leconte rocked the runway and had the capability to be worn every day. With earth tones, fun hues and slim cuts, her bags can add finishing touches to any fashionista’s ensemble.

Leconte wrapped up her bag segment with designs of hearts on the backs and fronts of her clutches.

Fun necklaces made with Bullhorn hung on the long necks of models in shades of light blue, green, lavender and red. Pendants hung on bullhorn and brown roping, settling right on the bosom and some on the navel. Earrings were not left out as they hung all the way to jaw bones in colors matching neck pieces. No matter your shape or color Leconte designed with everyone in mind.

The crowd hyped up as designs for men were presented. First was a white linen button down shirt with intricate gold lines along chest. Then came a golden yellow button down with prints on the back. A part of Leconte’s vision was to design clothes that were not just easy on the eyes but also comforting to the body.

A sharp black suit came next with a smart button down underneath with prints on one side. These designs were sharp, edgy and quite accessible for everyday wear.

But audiences didn’t get too comfortable just yet as Leconte then revealed a ruffled Burlap gown with blue lining on hem and on bust then an umpired waste maxi dress. Dress designs didn’t end there as a turquoise pumpkin dress emerged with lime green lines on hem, neck and waste line. Leconte’s detailing was not left out as she placed cute green buttons on the waist line.

Murielle’s philosophy is that a garment must be practical, comfortable and affordable and that reigned true as IWFW attendees lined up to purchase her designs.

With sharp lines cool curves and odd shapes Leconte dazzled this year’s IWFW.