Classical design from Shoshamma

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 10

Classical design from Shoshamma

By

TANYA GADSBY

Still a relatively new name in Christchurch, Shoshamma presented a showcase of its designs in the Parkroyal Hotel’s Atrium Lounge in mid-December. It soon became obvious that the label is one for the classicist rather than the adventurous. Extravagance was confined strictly to fabric and colour, rather than cut, in a collection aimed at an older age group. The shirt-dress was prevalent, with boxy tops, dropped waists and box-pleated skirts. For the most part, lengths remained sedately in the mid-calf area. Almost all of the 30 garments shown were made in silk, designed for an easy transition from high-fashion daywear to cocktail dressing to elegant dinnerwear. Colours were bright and rich, often in jewel-like mauves, purples, turquoises and jades. Black, white, red and gold were also used to effect. The formal eveningwear was more flamboyant, with off-the-shoulder cuts and lengths anywhere from just above the knee right down to the ankle. Black velvet was used in two stunningly elegant dresses, one short, simple and low-backed, the other long and beaded in gold. Once again, they were dresses which could be worn by women of all ages, designed to flatter rather than accentuate. The Shoshamma label is available from Medici.