Temptation in the Garden of Escada

More than 100 Escada devotees took a lighthearted tour through the Secret Garden with a woman’s best friend--the Dalmatian--last Wednesday during a private preview of the fall collection and luncheon at the Ritz restaurant in Newport Beach for Club 39, a women’s social group.

The “garden” translated into argyles and plaids in emerald, forest and lime with a shot of navy or black. The collection from the Escada Boutique in South Coast Plaza, was reminiscent of mod days in the English countryside, complete with driver caps.

Escada designer Michael Stolzenburg then revealed his whimsical side with his Top Pedigree line of clothes. Glen plaids were stomped all over with paw prints, and blouses and sweaters got the Dalmatian spot treatment. What wasn’t black and white all over was a gorgeous cobalt blue. Even leather pieces within the series have been stitched blue.

Silhouettes balanced classic with a modern spin: short swing skirts (but not too mini)--some with carwash cuts; jackets elongated and belted at the waist, narrow trousers and dresses. Stolzenburg, chief designer for the Munich-based company since 1992, proved again that he’s willing to take risks by including a cropped jacket in shiny vinyl and a pattern play of plaids and argyles.

Of course, overall the collection remains true to the sartorial needs of the well-dressed, well-heeled women who have long embraced the Escada tradition.