Christian Cota says he drew inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2011 collection from the “depths of the Yucatan jungle” where he spent some time hiding out in a “high-tech eco-cabin.” I’ve never been to the Yucatan jungle, but if it inspired Cota to create this elegantly tailored collection, a reflection of the juxtaposition of the high-tech against nature at its purist, I’d like to go to there.

The show opened to the sounds of a bird cawing and feathers flapping, fitting as feathers in pale pastels showed up in Cota’s hand painted prints. Cota, a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, sent down a mix of structured, tailored separates–crisp white shorts paired with silk cropped or trapeze tops with sheer inserts–and soft tiered gowns, appropriately fluttery given the avian inspiration. Stand out looks include a blush dress that was essentially a backwards blazer with a plunging back, and a short evening gown with a draped train for added drama.

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Exclusive Video: Christian Cota’s Spring 2011 Inspiration