SPRING `03 HEATS UP WITH PREMIERE OF SUSANA MERCEDES COLLECTION (The Emergence of LAs Newest Designer Debuts with Show for Los Angeles Fashion Week)

Los Angeles-based designer launches collection with runway fashion show at the acclaimed Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. landmark, the Sowden House. The collection of feminine, sirenwear against the backdrop of the Mayan architecture was the first for Guatemalan born, Mercedes.

LOS ANGELES -- With the excitement brewing about the resurgence of a Fashion Week on Los Angeles doorsteps, the timing couldnt be better for the debut of Susana Mercedes collection. She launched her collection on Monday, November 4 at the historic Sowden House, a Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. landmark in front of press, buyers and fashion insiders.
   
I have been involved in the industry for as long as I can remember," remarked Susana Mercedes, designer and president of the eponymous company. It has been a natural transition for me to go behind the scenes and really design clothes that are beautiful and flattering for women. I grew tired of the androgynous look and wanted to see women sporting a more glam look, so I had to design what I wanted to wear."

All pieces in the Spring `03 collection are made from the finest quality silks in double face charmeuse, chiffon, voile, Lycra charmeuse, double Georgette and 4-ply crepe, which all add to the draping and feminine effect that has become synonymous with this debut collection. Whether its a halter with ruffles, paired with a gusset skirt with tiered ruffles carefully centered to flatter the womans backside, every detail is feminine and complimentary. The collection features plays on ruffles, wrap-arounds and pleats which are found in tops, skirts, dresses and pants.

Susana Mercedes has designed three styles of pants, all of which flatters any body type -- regular which fits at the natural waist; high waisted pants for a twist on retro glamour; and the low rise, for the more daring woman. The body-forming dresses sizzle to the hilt. With special attention to details such as shirring and pearl clasps, these scream pretty."

Two coats round out the collection with the wing color long coat, and the mandarin back-slit ankle-length silhouette, which are shown with hot pants. Sexy and glamour are essential for the Spring `03 line-up by Susana Mercedes.

Colors play a big role in the Susana Mercedes collection. All silhouettes are available in black, off-white, cream, red, baby pink, electric blue, baby blue, gold and hot pink. Wholesale prices range from $127 to $370.
   
Ive never been afraid to wear color or to design with color. I can attribute that to my Latina heritage, or to just being daring enough to want to stand out in a crowd," continued Mercedes. I hope that my customer finds the collection a refreshing alternative to the hard looks weve seen for so long."

Los Angeles-based clothing designer, Susana Mercedes has been immersed in all aspects of the fashion industry from as far back as she can remember. Her mother and aunts worked as seamstresses both in Guatemala and the USA. Susanas family moved from Guatemala to the US when Susana was only 9 years-old. As she grew into her 5 9" build, Susana caught the eye of the agents at Elite Models. Through an extensive modeling career, she was exposed to some of the finest fabrications and craftsmanship in the world.

Armed with this knowledge and the experience that world travel inherently presents, Susanas creativity then blossomed with her passions for painting and design. In 2000, she embarked on launching the foundation of her eponymous company, which focuses on classic, feminine silhouettes with a flare.

Whether her customer is going to the office, or out for the evening, Susana Mercedes designs for the woman who demands superior quality combined with sensuality.

For more information about Susana Mercedes, visit www.susanamercedes.com.
                  ###