22-03-2009

Gulf News, Dubai: Felizola Spins Latino Magic

When it comes to injecting a bit of Latino passion into the multi-cultural Miami fashion extravaganza, Venezuela-born, Miami-based designer Nicolas Felizola could do no wrong. Silk cocktail dresses and gowns cinched at the waist, elaborate headgear made of fine silk gazaar feathers, generous use of French Chantilly lace and a passionate outpouring from Latin American sweetheart Patricia Manterola at the end of the show sealed the deal. The talk of cloudy weather and the ubiquitous credit crunch also took a back seat when Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2009, floated in an ethereal billowing white creation aptly titled Enamaroda (In Love). It was a celebration of life, form, and colour. When tabloid! caught up with Felizola on the sidelines, the visibly-relaxed designer (who also happens to be the winner of last year's Miami Fashion Week Best Designer Award), said his inspiration behind the collection was the legendary 1950s Mexican actress Maria Felix. "Maria Felix was a woman who possessed glamour, grace and elegance. I loved her movies and the way she carried herself I am sure every woman will feel like her in my clothes." It's a fact that the Texan beauty Crystle Stewart looked resplendent in a charcoal black full-length evening gown. But it was amusing to know that some people were making bets on whether she would do a Miss USA landing-on-her-butt yet again. But this beauty queen, known for her grace under fire, did not miss a step or a beat when she sashayed down the ramp. How does it feel to be a special guest of Miami Fashion Week? Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza: I feel as if I am back to my roots. Miami to me feels like Venezuela, because I have so many friends here. And being here, I feel as if I have realised my dreams. Miss USA Crystle Stewart: I think it is awesome. I love the sunny weather and unlike New York Fashion Week, it is not as cold. How would you define your personal style statement? Mendoza: I am a person who places comfort over everything else. If I am not attending an event or a party, you will find me in a vest and jeans. Stewart: I don't like anything flashy. My personal style statement is about being classy, simple and elegant. What's the one piece in your wardrobe that you cannot live without? Mendoza: Underwear. Stewart: A chic blazer. You can pair a smart blazer with a shirt, skirt or pretty much everything. What next? Mendoza: I love Hollywood, so joining movies is a possibility. Stewart: I am going with the flow right now. We have a scholarship offered to us from the New York Film Academy. So I might choose to study. "Nicolas is my best friend. I love his clothes and I can never say no to him," says Mexican actress and singer Patricia Manetrola on closing the designer's fashion show with a passionate rendition of a love song.

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