NEW YORK, February 3, 2007 – Laura Poretzky initially launched her Abaeté line in 2003 as a collection of swimsuits and resortwear inspired by childhood summers spent on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Since then, the designer's contemporary label has been growing up. For Fall, her fourth ready-to-wear season at Bryant Park, Poretzky offered up a Courrèges-inspired mod look in the form of zippered and color-blocked shift dresses and patent leather coats. It's a tried-and-true motif and one that Poretzky has previously explored, which made for a slightly predictable and occasionally repetitive show. Nevertheless, in a market hungry for dresses, those familiar silhouettes should easily find a customer. And there will be plenty more fans lining up for the similarly mod-themed bags and shoes, designed by Poretzky for Payless. It's a collaboration that is now in its third season and one that, according to the designer, will continue for a few more, no doubt providing an invaluable boost of brand recognition.

– Meenal Mistry