Youthful innocence best summed up Miuccia Prada's Spring 2010 collection inspired by sea and surf. The same can be said of actress Carey Mulligan, who wore this specially-produced amethyst silk beach screened dress (for those counting, it was based on runway look 20) to the Virtuoso Awards at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday. Isn't this fresh-faced ingénue simply adorable? I love the delicate gathering of simple pleats along the waistline, emphasizing her lovely frame ever-so-lightly while the halter neck up on top shows off her well-toned shoulders and arms. A pair of diamond studs made this outfit effortlessly chic, as do the matching clutch, also specially produced, and gold-toned sandals, which won't actually be available until this fall. For an actress whose look is decidedly pixie-like, the dress could not have been a more perfect option; the beach print lower portion complements the monochromatic upper half (if you look closely, the clutch mirrors the same beachy print). Mulligan's been wearing a mixture of true design talents--including Lanvin and Prabal Gurung--and her sartorial choices are clearly paying off. "It is supposed to be an ironic take -- sometimes nostalgic, for a contemporary take on antiquity for those who don't understand the beauty of the past," said Prada after the show last September. However you interpret it, one thing's for sure: this isn't any ordinary day at the beach.
$2,390, available at select Prada stores nationwide.
I really love her fresh style. This dress is great, too. Love the skirts as well.