Cristina Pineda and Ricardo Covalin of Pineda Covalin were the designers featured at this year’s Sony Ericsson fashion showcase. The show was introduced by the Mexican Board of Tourism with Mariachis and a large screen video enticing the anxious spectators with images of Mexico’s landscapes, peoples and architecture that were to be mirrored and captured by the styles on the runway.

Pineda Covalin’s perfect translation of the rich Mexican culture into fashion makes them proud ambassadors of their country. The inspiration behind the brand is to present the various aspects of Mexican and Latin American culture, from the mythology, art and sculpture to the nature and architecture of these lands.

All the pieces in this years Spring/Summer ’09 collection strike a perfect note. They are lush and vibrant with the bright colors of Latin flavors and yet the styles remain elegant and delicate.

The designers have been busy since they began their line working with the National Anthropology Institute in 1996. Their products are sold in top resorts like the Four Seasons, Sheraton and W Hotels. Their line now includes everything from clothing to handbags, shoes, jewelry and even eye ware. The designs are so unique and representative of Mexico that even Museum shops carry Pineda Covalin items.

More about Pineda Covalin on the other side.

Tags: ::ART::, ::FASHION & STYLE::, coconut grove boutique, cristina pineda, designers, diego rivera, fashion, frida kahlo, henri bendel, hermes, mexican culture, miami, pineda covalin, ricardo covalin, shopping, shopping in miami, sony ericsson, things to do in miami

While most of us don’t live a red carpet lifestyle, we may often find ourselves overwhelmed when confronted with a black-tie situation.

My two best-dressed picks for this 2009 award season are great examples of minimalist elegance that has outstanding impact: Taraji P. Henson at the SAG Awards and Angelina Jolie at the Oscars.

Walk the red carpet over to the other side for an analysis of these two ensembles.

Tags: ::FASHION & STYLE::, angelina jolie, best dressed picks for 2009 award season, elie saab couture gown, fashion, herve leroux gown, how to dress for black tie events, lorraine schwartz emeralds, oscars, sag awards, shopping, style

When you are on the prowl for your next fashion fix, please keep this in mind: Execution is just as important as concept.

As you start re-building your wardrobe don’t add items that look cute or are a good idea, but are poorly made. Just like in the grocery store, you need to get into the habit of checking labels. Not to see who the designer is, but to see what fabric the garment is made of.

Avoid at all costs fake fabrics like pleather, polyester, rayon, nylon, and any man-made materials.

Stick to the naturals: Cotton, Silk, Cashmere and Leather.

In this declining economy you may need to stay mindful of your budget, or lack thereof. Remember that there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive.

No one will ever know if the white cotton t-shirt you are wearing is James Pearse or the tissue thin t-shirts from Target, and this is because the material is exactly the same in both.

And when you are looking at a pretty cami and may think that there is no difference between silk and polyester, trust me when I tell you that those of us who know, can spot the difference a mile away.

If you train yourself to recognize good quality and construction in a garment you will be able to step inside a thrift store, Target, TJ Maxx or Marshalls and come out with an inexpensive wonder!

Learning to do this will help carry you safely through the economic depression!

::Luli also writes at Miami Shopping Tours::

Tags: ::FASHION & STYLE::, difference between cheap and inexpensive, fashion, how to shop in this economy, shopping, style