With a proper sounding name like Julianna Bass, you'd expect nothing less than buttoned up, ladies-who-lunch-only frocks from this emerging eveningwear designer. But you'd be completely wrong. While her eye-catching dresses do have a little old school flare, extremely modern silhouettes and a love of all things scene stealing and dramatic ensure that this former Tennessee gal's pieces are more crab salad at Boulevard than lobster at the Ritz. Fancy, for sure, lucky for us much more playful than pretentious. "Eveningwear is about attitude," she explains. "A humble nature with a raw edge inspires me every time."

And there's something for every girl in her upcoming debut collection for fall, which we're over the moon to be featuring at Styles 2008 in New York. The show stopping "Samantha" is a daring black number that dips suggestively low in the rear—offset by an over-sized bow to keep things perfectly ladylike, natch. Speaking of ladylike, you'll look positively demure when you don the flouncy "Peggy," a full-skirted vintage-inspired number that's toughened up thanks to the addition of a chunky jeweled applique at the chest. If you're aiming for a look that's decidedly downtown, the names "Ruth" or "Breanne" should be on the tip of your tongue. One is an avant garde take on a classic LBD; the other, a flirty empire-waisted bubble dress in a rich jacquard.

With the summer season upon us, and a slew of invites to weddings, gala events and swanky cocktail parties hijacking your calender, the least you can do to maintain your sanity is take that whole "what to wear" problem out of the equation. And for that, my pets, there's only one name you really need in your little BlackBerry: Julianna Bass.

For more information please visit www.juliannabass.com.

- Caroline Stanley

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Similar Topics:debut collection, dresses, eveningwear, fall 2008, fashion, Styles 2008

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