Elie Tahari Spring 2009

"Urban Paradise" was the theme, but the collection, so ripe with bold, printed seventies-inspired Copacabana evening looks, was short on the citified daywear suggested by the first half of the title. It felt rather more like Resort than Spring: It's easy to picture bandeau tops, swim briefs, and ankle-tied harem pants at an island retreat, but in an office? Or, for that matter, lunching at the Four Seasons? Not so much. More in keeping with the Tahari tradition of trend- and work-friendly sportswear were a slim, sexy python-patterned skirt and a short, bright minidress (worn by Heidi Verster), both of which are sure to appeal to those Hampton Jitney-riding Manhattanites whom Tahari courts so well.