Louis Verdad proclaimed that his inspiration for the new season was, “Richard Avedon meets Barbara Stanwyck.” Despite the unlikely muses, the exuberant collection he showed was a delightful slice of spring.

Initially, sending out a beautiful lady of the manor breathtaking with a puffed up crimson mane, followed by her faithful maid, pushing a Pomeranian delicately placed in a child’s stroller, Mr. Verdad once again proved he has an adorable sense of humor. Dressed in a taupe silk shantung peplum jacket with bellows pockets and back bustle, matched with a sharply fitted pencil skirt, Louis’ striking heroine elegantly affirmed the talent has no intention to abandon his signature retro style.

The colorful summer dresses which followed, cast in pink, mint green, rose, mocha gold, aqua and turquoise, underscored by a 40s sensibility, gracefully reinterpreted the old with a contemporary twist. Staying away from the intricately embellished look of his autumnal Frida collection, the gifted designer kept things simple and polished. Pairing his ephemeral daywear ensembles with two-toned spectator shoes Verdad made a case for effortless prettiness.

Verdad’s kitty blouses, corset coats, culottes, crop pants, and trumpet skirts seem to have jumped out of unforgettable scenes in movie classics. Rigorously tailored to accentuate a curvaceous silhouette, tightly clinched or belted at the waist, these pieces exalt alluring femininity. The charming sensibility which renders these creations so irresistible is indeed hidden in the details. May it be a tuck pleat, scalloped hem, flutter sleeve, chiffon bow, or a big buckled belt Verdad’s art is always ready for a close up.