fête à fête

All you fashion divas need to check out Colleen Quen's 2007 'Compassion' collection. Premiered at San Francisco Fashion Week, Quen's latest creations feature a graceful marriage of modern pop art and traditional French couture.

"Garden of Peace" Hand-Painted Silk Gown

With iconic themes of flowers and hearts, each versatile piece successfully merges urban art with deliberate functionality. Two-piece evening suits, mini dresses and evening gowns are fashioned with contrasting neutral hues of linens and silks, along with vibrant accents of reds, fuchsias and oranges. Artisan couture methods such as quilting, patch work and embroidery are elevated to a modern level, resonating elements inherent in Quen’s design philosophy.

"Three Hundred Papillons" Origami Gown

One of my favorites is the "Three Hundred Papillons" (Three Hundred Butterflies), a magenta and red silk organza Origami gown. The intricate 'butterflies' are painstakingly hand-stitched around the entire gown, a true represention of Quen's artistry and vision.

Symbolizing the pure act of creating art, the handwork captures the conscious act of being in the present moment. It also reflects Quen’s wish to inspire compassion, love and peace for the global community.

See you on the catwalk,

The Sweet Life