Inspired  by her adventures in and charmed by the culture of Mexico, El Amuleto designer, Andrea Ioannou, is devoted to re-creating her version of the ultimate Spanish goddess. The untamed spirit of El Amuleto (which translates to “lucky charm”), has unleashed itself for the second time on Melbourne’s fashion-conscious, with an Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, entitled Rosalina.

Rosalina is a breath of fresh air that utilises block colours, texture and flowing lines to create an exotic and feminine collection. Ioannou describes Rosalina as ‘intricate, bold and bohemian’. Her main inspiration was “a scrapbook of photos which were taken during my travels in Mexico.”

Ioannou says the vibrant colour palette is drawn from the earth, “soft natural hues resemble the dry and arid landscape of Mexico.” By incorporating traditional beading and detailed embroidery, with this season’s hottest trends, El Amuleto modernises the boho-spanish look.

Each piece possesses a sense of freedom, yet one with a sultry attitude. Be seduced by draped, one-shoulder, and cut-out designs teamed with ballooned sleeves, adding volume and edge.

Leather pieces are at the crux of Rosalina. Two cropped leather jackets – one shows off cut-out detailing, the other is embellished with textured sleeves – a panelled capped-sleeve dress and a frilled high-waisted skirt all feature. Rosalina has a chic side, mixing leather with neutrals and floaty lines.

The El Amuleto A/W 2010 range is available now.

Pretty prose by Pia Mazza

Images courtesy label