WGSN loves Clara Gonzalez

Winner of Mexico's Project Runway equivalent, Mexico Diseña, in 2006, designer Clara Gonzalez presented at International Designers Mexico on Tuesday to a packed crowd of socialites, celebrities, and friends. Though I was weary of the party-people crowd, I was pleasantly surprised when the young designer showed an edited collection that was both youthful and sophisticated.

Gonzalez's shapes were simple and traditional, but her fabric choices and colour combinations offer a surge of playfulness. Chartreuse, teal, salmon and blush were seen on 40s inspired cocktail dresses and draped skirts, while metallic silver and bronze gowns were paired with black tailored vests and tuxedo jackets. Sexy details like racerbacks, ruffles and braided straps added to the relaxed evening look.

Its no wonder that the 24-year-old designer has won the recognition and mentorship of Carolina Herrera. Gonzalez's spring/summer 2010 collection exuded the timeless elegance that Herrera is often associated with -- high waists, simple shift dresses, strong shoulders and easy menswear separates.

WGSN's full coverage of Mexico Fashion Week will appear in the Magazine Directory early next month.