Dressing Your Inner Femme Fatale

Russian born Serguei Povaguin knows how to dress a woman. His eponymous collection of womenswear and accessories seamlessly meld masculine and feminine aesthetics, delivering a collection that evokes power dressing for the modern, feminine woman.

Inspired by the strong presence of 20th century femme fatale Mata Hari as well as Helmut Newton's Nude portraits, Povaguin's spring/summer '09 presentation reinterprets bold shoulders and tiny waistlines into leather jackets paired with high-waisted wool twill pants. The somber colors of grey, brown and black yield effortlessly into nudes and striking silk dresses that are nipped at the waistline with a belt. Voluminous sleeves and shoulders are replaced with more revealing one-shouldered or strapless necklines, stockings turn into trousers and ruffles or draping details decorate frocks with thigh-high slits. Large chained metal work finishes off the looks with vintage silk scarves woven throughout the necklaces and brooches, topped off with Swarovski detailing.

Povaguin was awarded the L'Oreal Prize for Best Collection this past September at Madrid's Fashion Week, El Ego de Cibeles, and his designs have already been lauded by fashion critic Diane Pernet. And with a clientele hungry for his feminine twists, you might want to put your order in soon. The line can be found at Spain's Yedra, Berlin's Redspective or through the designer's atelier with his line of accessories available at Harvey Nichols Hong Kong and at Adam et Ropé in Japan.

For more information, visit www.sergueipovaguin.com.

—Kyle Landman