Marc by Marc Jacobs and Agnes b's collections featured large at Grand Gateway Plaza's recent fashion show where patent, wide belts proved the clear winners, writes Michelle Zhang.

If Plaza 66 is for the rich and Maison Mode is for the stylish, Grand Gateway Plaza is definitely for the chic and young.

The Xujiahui shopping complex in Shanghai houses a cluster of popular international brands such as Agnes b, DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diesel, M Missoni and Liu Jo, all of which are not top ranked but more affordable for young people.

A joint spring-summer fashion show was held recently at the mall's atrium, featuring fashion labels such as Agnes b, Marc by Marc Jacobs, G-Star and Jessica and accessories brands such as Longchamp and Nine West.

Marc by Marc Jacobs continues its sweet sexy style this season by presenting a retro chic collection inspired by stewardesses.

The use of contrasting bright colors and large floral prints brings an intense visual feast. The brand's signature shirtdresses come in a variety of hues and lengths, decorated with shiny gold buttons and hardware, big bowknots and belts.

Flowing satin and silk have been generously used to create glimmering shirts, tops and skirts which are worn with bloomers or flared skirts upon the knee.

Vintage-feel polka dots and checks were also seen from time to time at the show.

Color-blocked trench coats and jackets are perfect items for late spring.

As is always the case, the designer has again presented piles of funky, bold accessories including mouse-shaped flat shoes, square clutches and patent bags and belts in bright hues.

Apparels in sharp colors and eye-catching prints can also be found at French brand Agnes b's latest collections.

Spotlight goes to the radiant orange halter neck tee matched with bloomers - do notice the clever use of the floral tie as the belt.

The wide belt is the designer's favorite accessory this season. For example, a multicolored floral print dress is fastened with a stunning wide patent belt.

To add variety, belt buckles are also free to rotate - to the side, or even to the back.

Agnes b is known for its "balanced" style which is never too much: never too girly and never too sexy.

A collection of simple, elegant outfits with a masculine silhouette was also showcased.

A white shirt is worn with an oversized cardigan and a pair of gray culottes to present a preppy look.

Metropolitan charisma is achieved by matching a gray-and-white striped sleeveless shirt, a black jacket with a pair of ankle cuff pants, or putting together a black and white asymmetric shirt and a pair of cropped pants.

Known for her fondness for travel and art, Agnes b has been inspired by the leisure and sunshine of popular northwest French tourist haunt Saint Malo, creating a more relaxed collection featuring the sailor uniform look.

Besides, her discoveries are infused in the women's collection with exclusive prints of French Fauvist artist Raoul Dufy (1877-1955), who is known for his colorful and decorative styles.

(Shanghai Daily May 26, 2008)