This season, Carmelita Martell of Carmelita Couture debuted her FW 2010 collection which continues to show her distinct bold style. Her signature party dress makes a return in gold with black tulle while other familiar silhouettes are given new life in fine fabric in similar colors.

Amongst the black and gold are an electric blue secretary-like  backless number and a caped ensemble, both in soft suede. Zippers shift between being for function and form, a detail that’s present throughout the collection. Speaking of details, new to the Carmelita Couture design aesthetic is the use of sequins and studs which adorned the shoulders of tops and dress sleeves.

Compared to when M.I.S.S. first caught a glimpse of Carmelita Couture at Las Vegas Pool trade show in 2009, you can say this collection is a bit more grown up. The range of colors is turned down a notch and the use of prints are to a minimum if not non-existent. The collection as a whole however can still be easily tied to previous collections by how the clothes fit close to the body without being too tight and give a sense of power and sexual prowess without being too serious or too revealing.

Photos: Stephanie Nolt Photography

Carmelita Couture’s Philly-based designer Carmelita Martell certainly knows her audience. After the 80s-inspired party dresses from SS09 and the playful FW09 collection, CC is preparing to make her fans salivate once again with the SS10 collection. Showcasing the quirky styles that Martell is becoming known for, the SS10 collection blends her love for travel, dance and the arts in fabric and form. Fans will recognize familiar shapes from previous collections, but Martell has expanded her focus and created pieces that flatter the wearer’s personality, as well as her  body.

Dresses are still at the heart (and the best part) of the collection, but rompers, jackets, pants and skirts round out the collection and are featured in sheer organza, jersey, plastic and vinyl. No matter the material, every piece is pleated, tucked and folded for dramatic and flattering effect and certain to appeal to the bold gal in all of us.

You may remember when M.I.S.S. gave a glimpse of the SS ‘09 Carmelita Couture collection at Pool as well as a hint of FW ‘09. Now the time has come for a full view of the fun FW ‘09 collection from CC designer Carmelita Martell. Martell is always looking out for around the way women who want their inner confidence to shine through. The FW ‘09 collection lets a woman do just that with playful party dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and body-conscious jumpsuits. The classic cuts have a an unexpected element whether it be in the form of bright colorways, patent leather panels, embossed denim or a custom print. Whatever the mix, each piece is bound to match the feminine prowess in uptown socialites and downtown hipsters alike.

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My girls like to par-tay all the time!! And Carmelita Couture provides the perfect dress for that occasion! Based in Philly via Miami, Carmelita Martell uses vibrant color combinations and designs “for women with confidence.”  She loves mixing influences from different eras, be it the silhouettes of the 20’s paired with the prints and patterns of the 60’s. These party dresses form her SS09 collection speak to that Cyndi Lauper “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” gal in all of us! Read more to see other SS09 styles as well as a sneak peak of color-ways of her party dress for FW09! Read the full story