Laura Poretzky initially launched her Abaeté line in 2003 as a collection of swimsuits and resortwear inspired by childhood summers spent on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Since then, the designer s contemporary label has been growing up. For Fall, her fourth ready-to-wear season at Bryant Park, Poretzky offered up a Courrèges-inspired mod look in the form of zippered and color-blocked shift dresses and patent leather coats. It s a tried-and-true motif and one that Poretzky has previously explored, which made for a slightly predictable and occasionally repetitive show. Nevertheless, in a market hungry for dresses, those familiar silhouettes should easily find a customer. And there will be plenty more fans lining up for the similarly mod-themed bags and shoes, designed by Poretzky for Payless. It s a collaboration that is now in its third season and one that, according to the designer, will continue for a few more, no doubt providing an invaluable boost of brand recognition.
