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(AP) - The Desigual show at New York Fashion Week was, on the one hand, an example of what has some industry insiders saying is wrong with the seasonal previews for retailers, editors and stylists: It was a largely media _ and social media _ frenzy.
The collection from the Spanish-based retailer that debuted on the catwalk Thursday wasn't couture craftsmanship, and it wasn't visionary. It was commercial, and there were plenty of bloggers taking selfies in the front row.
But the clothes were cute, wearable and affordable in a price range similar to Top Shop or Zara. Dresses on its website, for example, are priced from $100 to $200.
Maybe the models were the highlight of the show. They were smiling, singing and dancing. It felt infectious, and by the time it was over, most of the audience was smiling, too.
There were looks worth mentioning, including graphic black-and-white shift dresses, loose-leg palazzo pants paired with a colorful tank top and a mini trench covered in a sketch print of Barcelona.
"The breath of spring brings Mediterranean sunshine, and the happy attitude that the idyllic landscape inspired in its people and culture embodied in our motto of La Vida es Chula, or Life is Cool," according to the show's notes.
Can you argue with that?
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