Orlando Espinoza Fall 2006

Orlando Espinoza – Seriously Stylish

This LA born designer graduated from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and
Merchandising and worked as an assistant to designer Sue Wong in Los Angeles before moving to the Windy City five years ago and beginning his signature label. His clothes have received wide media coverage and have helped spark growing interest in the Chicago style scene.

Orlando designs for a woman’s body. “It is essential for a woman to always feel sexy and be able to express her sensuality and urban lifestyle. Modern style can be classic and does not change drastically from season to season, instead it develops and matures very much the same way women do,” expresses Orlando.

In rayon matte jersey, sueded silk charmeuse and stretch silk, his clothes drape the wearer’s curves, creating an understated sensuality equally appropriate for both the office and after hours. Deceptively simple, he foregoes ornate embellishments for details such as ruching and contoured lines. The result is a clean, streamlined look that transcends age. Orlando is also well aware that his clients are modern women, many with hectic, urban lifestyles that leave little time for a physically constraining wardrobe. At the same time, they seek sartorial options that set them apart from their peers and project a confident attitude to the world. His light and
comfortable clothes fill that demand and remind us that dressing up should not be a daunting task nor does it require outfits that need to be disposed of at the end of each season.

In dark, muted colors, Orlando’s fall collection incorporates the season’s obsession with volume. Not one for exaggerated abstract shapes, however, he experiments with the trend in a way that’ll keep his clients content and ensure that you’ll look just as chic wearing his designs three years from now. Orlando updates the little black dress with a slight balloon bottom, wide loose sleeves tapered at the wrist and a touch of ruching. Balloon skirts are included in his collection, as well as a timeless silk pencil skirt. Body hugging tops maintain their fluidity through wide billowy sleeves and pleats at the bust. Raised Victorian style necklines are featured alongside plunging risqué ones, and both maintain a moody, romantic sensibility.

-Ann John