Tucked away in a far little corner of Red Hook, there is a gem of an atelier. Inside you will find the semi-structured, semi-precious, and completely swoon-worthy fall/winter 08 collection by Desira Pesta. The collection is called Fela Sig., meaning to hide oneself. This tongue-in-cheek witticism is typical of Desira, who is equal parts artist, designer, and pioneer. The line itself is inspired by silent films, architecture, and whatever else falls under her radar. If asked to name a centerpiece of the Fela Sig collection, I would say that her architecture dress fits the bill. The dress is made of a lovely soft white organic cotton, hand silkscreened with print of abstracted buildings by Robert Daurio. Black piping completes every seam. The combination of the high-necked bow and the complex print in another designer’s hands would come off as frumpy, but here the effect is part intelligentsia, part pretty party dress. Desira says of this collaboration with Daurio (who has also made prints for Prada), “Most of my good friends are architects and filmmakers and musicians, so we often collaborate. I often have close ties to the non-fashion influences I utilize. I am a close friend of Robert Daurio’s.
