An Uneven Ride To and From Hollywood

There were looks in the Abaeté show that suggested a throbbing pulse of fashion — and others that suggested the collection was DOA. Among the best ensembles was a pair of high-waist shorts worn with a black-and-white striped shirt that was made romantic by its flowing, loose sleeves. Another high point came in the form of a prim white dress with a wide collar decorated with colorful Swarovski crystals. The use of perforated leather gave the collection a flash of sex appeal. But the too-simple dresses in blocks of black, white, and pink seemed unnecessary — or at least not related to the verve of the Miami art deco, the best of which was a pair of wide-leg pants shown over a glamorous stretch silk bathing suit straight out of the 1940s.