SILVIA TCHERASSI

Brands out of South America have been making a lot of noise lately (Colombian designer and brand Johanna Ortiz comes to mind) and have been in great demand. The fashionable crowd’s eyes have been opened to the extravagant and romantic silhouettes for which the region is famous, and Silvia Tcherassi’s creations are among them. Born in Baranquilla on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Tcherassi started out as an interior designer before spending the next 25 years in fashion. Her designs, ranging from pret-a-porter to bridal, have been warmly embraced in Europe, where they have graced the catwalks of Milan and Paris, and the designer was named a Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France for her contribution to the fashion industry. Tcherassi is known for elegant daywear, such as delicate, floral dresses and boldly coloured two-piece suits. This season she has created a 25-piece collection exclusive to Moda Operandi just in time for Christmas. Her favourite ruffles and bows take on holiday hues, while polka dots and voluminous sleeves reach new, couture-level heights, all with a Caribbean flair, of course.