Abaete fashion show makes covered body very sexy

Being covered up means being very sexy - the Abaete fashion show proves.

Photo: Abaete fashion show makes covered body very sexy

The overall look at the show, held as part of New York Fashion Week that is previewing styles for next spring, was inspired by the screen sirens of the 1940s and particularly Gene Tierney, according to designer Laura Poretzky.

It was as though Poretzky transported Tierney, who was at one time married to the late legendary fashion designer Oleg Cassini, and all her friends - Rita Hayworth and Jean Harlow, among them - to Miami where they sipped cocktails and soaked up the Deco-era architecture.

Among the tempting looks to be offered next spring were a halter-neck striped dress in pink and navy with similarly colored patches of fabric near the hem and a sand-and-peach-colored sheath dress that would hug an hourglass figure.

The swimsuits were even more of a retro look with high waists and low leg openings. One one-piece suit with a halter neck in white and nautical navy would have been the ideal outfit for a hostess of a pool party - the model wore wide-leg navy pants over it and was the picture of polish.

It is worth noting that any women who invested in the wide-leg look for fall will be able to keep those pants at least another season.

Another likely continuing trend is the flat shoe. Poretzky has a deal with Payless to create affordable shoes that complement her pricier clothes. The best for spring was called the Hayworth, with a ruched pleated upper and round peep-toe front. Consider it part of the continuing evolution of the ballet slipper.

Fashion Week runs eight days and is mostly held at the Bryant Park tents in midtown. Wednesday's schedule also included BCBG Max Azria, Nicole Miller and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani.