Ina Soltani launched her collection of “siren” evening wear on March 18, 2011, at Vibiana in Downtown LA on the closing night of Style Fashion Week LA.  This collection was inspired by the designer’s homeland and its dramatic narratives and artisans’ traditions, and a lot of old Hollywood glamour.  The Sarajevo-born L.A. designer created a collection of sexy, slinky, glamorous garments with some peek-a-boo.  I was a little surprised when the butt cheeks were a distinctive accent on this sacred venue’s runway!  But it made the long awaited show, which was over an hour late, worth the wait.

Ina Soltani’s Fall 2011 collection was spicy and culture-filled with attention-grabbing fabrics . . . those of a shinier nature combined with lamé, tulle, ruching, feathers, and ruffles.  There were micro-minis, one-shoulder halters, appliqué floral accents, hoop skirts, and corsets.  Is it a slip or is it a dress?  Some models were styled like tango dancers with a red rose in the hair.  Slinky evening gowns, feather hem trains, vibrant color palettes of vixen red, shimmery metallic in silver and gold best describe the overall theme.  In spite of the picture my review is painting, there are some important details I have yet to mention.  There is a subtler side.  I have described sexy, and at times racy, but the décolleté was never too much, and the designer occasionally mixed it up with less provocative styles and softer colors that worked well with the less showy gowns.

There is a lot to Ina Soltani’s Fall 2011 collection:  gowns for the red carpet, disco-style cocktail dresses, romantic evening gowns, including a wedding gown; there’s even something for the entertainer on stage.  But one thing is certain, wherever you appear in an Ina Soltani design, expect all eyes to be on you!  After all, isn’t that what being a siren is all about?

View the Ina Soltani Runway Show (Photos by Arun Nevader)
View the Ina Soltani Backstage and First Looks (Photos by Arun Nevader)