Bangkok--5 Feb--Maxima Consultants The Joan & David Spring/Summer 2008 from the United States shows a more relaxed look but still upholds its sophisticated and feminine mood to dressing. The overall feeling is romantic with a city-chic edge, contrasted with bold tribal urbanism and bold summer colours. The romantic softness comes from the sheer silk fabrics and transparent chiffon and organza, in acquarelle tinted pales. City chic is made easy with crisp cotton poplin shirts and crisp bottoms to match, whilst starker contrasts in tribal graphic prints in matelasse textures points to a more ethnic urban trend in neutrals and black. Other prints take forms of abstract floral that have blossomed on the catwalk this season to compliment the bright summer dressing. Available now at Central Chidlom, The Emporium and Siam Paragon. In terms of silhouettes the collection is more relaxed with softer lines. Trousers are either thin cropped or wide and loose, whilst skirts are high-waisted, falling just on the knees and fuller than past seasons. Jackets are cropped and wider for a sportier look and tops are loosely belted, giving shape to the wider cuts. Layering is also key, particularly with the softer sheer knits. Dresses come in loose cuts, making them easy to wear pieces in the warmth of the summer months giving comfort in style. The season begins by lifting the winter moods with colours like daisy and sunshine, whether in the textured wool base suiting or the modern-disc print dresses. Jackets are double-breasted with a wider neckline that brings a contemporary alternative to wearing the suit, either teamed with a skirt or wide-leg trousers. To get you through the colder breeze, the solid texture trench is available in fashion colours sunshine and dark slate, or black in the longer version. A soft silhouette is complimented by a refreshing palette of powder pink, chrome, seafoam and diamond in cotton poplin shirts and fashion linen bottoms are the key fashion statement. Shirts are loose but structured either by drop-sleeves, bell sleeves or nipped in at the waist with a belt. Complimented with a high-waisted A-line skirt or above the knee crisp shorts for a day out — the look screams city-chic! For a softer, more romantic look, the shimmer refine tweed and bright linen offers a certain lightness from the metallic shine. Team a skirt with an equally shiny and embellished top or opt for a sheer blouse in a watercolour print. Modern, feminine and sophisticated, the collection moves on to neutral tones of mocha, driftwood and white canvas. Cotton silk thin-cropped trousers can be teamed with a cropped jacket or even a tunic shirt that acts as a jacket in a parachute shape for a relaxed but elegant style. The colour block dress brings in navy to compliment what is predominantly tone on tone, whilst an alfresco stripe print or dotted jacquard brings out the graphic elements. Take this look one step further to ethnic appliques and embroidery and we get the tribal graphic collection. Global, urban and modern, the contrast in raffia and black is visually striking, whether it is from an all-over embroidered dress or a stamped floral jacket. Blossoming into the summer, colours become more vibrant — honeydew, mandarin and sour lemon are delicious combinations. Here the multi-floral print plays a dominant part in an easy to wear tunic dress, skirt or floor length summer dress reminiscent of the seventies. Heavy silk jerseys tops dresses up any look by the fall of the draping and shine of the fabric. Occasion wear this season is all about ultra bright hues of marigold, cobalt blue, cerise and hot pink in a more relaxed silhouette. It’s time to turn away from this winter’s greys and welcome the summers warmth and shine. For more information, please contact Maxima Consultants Company Tel 02-434-8300, 02-434-8547 Suchinda, Saengnapa, Panadda