Knitwear label Coven lights up Rio fashion show

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Glittering caballeras in Lurex pantsuits dominated the catwalks Wednesday on day two of Rio de Janeiro's winter 2012 fashion week.

While many of the other displays have felt indistinguishable from the kinds of urban looks that dominate catwalks worldwide, a stellar south-of-the-border equestrian collection from Coven boldly forged a style of its own.

The brand, based in the interior state of Minas Gerais, is known for its knits. And designer Liliane Rebehy delivered with Wednesday's collection: Her flirty crocheted skirts, mariachi-style pant suits in copper colored Lurex and T-shirts covered in fancy geometric embroidery managed to be at once totally unique and utterly appealing.

The day's other highlight was the catwalk appearance of the three Brazilian soap opera stars, who walked at TNG. The audience shrieked and snapped cellphone pictures as the actors took to the runway in rustic chic denim separates.

At 2nd Floor, designer Thiago Marcon focused his attention on a most improbable Brazilian fabric, covering his flirty chemisier dresses in printed chiffon in a patchwork of what looked to be faux fur. Beyond being hard to wear in a tropical climate, the material was bulky, and the fur-fronted skirts made even the rail-thin models look more than a little hippy.

Still, the lighter pieces were appealing, especially the ivory chiffon blouses and dresses printed with an oversized growling lion. Graphic, boyish touches gave the clothes a slightly modish feel.

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