Fashion designer Nicole Miller personally presented her Resort-into-Spring ’07 Collection to an enthusiastic crowd at Siesta Key’s Foxy Lady on Friday, Nov. 17.

The well-known American designer has expanded her classic line to include an array of diverse pieces inspired by her recent travels to South America. Prints were the standout, often resembling a Mayan mosaic, and in rustic, earthy hues: curry, paprika, teal, mocha, wine and gun-metal. Fabrics were silk georgette, stretch metallic linen and taffeta (so unique to the season that she’s claiming it as her own), crocheted knit, for that extra layer as in a delicate little cardigan, and gold jacquard for cocktail dresses.

Shapes were body-hugging, loose and billowy or a combination of the two with unusual shirring and pleating to achieve the effect.

In addition, Miller said, “I always try to put something skin-baring into each of my collections that can be worn as a transitional piece, layered with a jacket or little cardigan to accommodate change in temperature.”

Hence, what she was wearing: a silk print dress with dropped waist, decorative buttons and lace at the deep v-neck, and lace running down the sides of the hip-hugging skirt, paired with a crocheted cardigan. Her jewelry was simple and elegant: gold bangles, rings and a mesmerizing pendant, all with ornate colored stones.

When asked why she chose to make a personal appearance in Sarasota over and above many larger markets, the answer was simple, said Bryan Eible, owner and operator of Foxy Lady : “Aside from being one of the top-grossing Nicole Miller retailers, I extended the personal invitation and made her an offer she just couldn’t refuse!”