"It's about tropical-island getaway," said Monique Lhuillier before her show. But before one could envision a sand-crusted, wild-haired bohemian beach muse, the designer added: "but for the chic Monique woman." And properly chic they were, coming down a sisal runway. Lhuillier's eveningwear is usually faultless, if a little safe, and Spring continued in that vein. But here she lightened things up, trading heavy beading for airy tulle appliqué or a fresh and earthy wheat print that was lovely on flowing white chiffon. Queen of the night though she may be, Lhuillier is venturing further into day—the result of customer demand. There was a tailored dark denim pencil skirt topped by a billowy blouse, and a sleeveless wave-print trench with shorts that was surely the sportiest thing her runway's ever seen. We're not sure where a nipped-waist, sleeveless denim shift with armholes edged in chunks of gold beading fits into a schedule, but it was nicely done all the same.
