Kelsi and I decided, last minute, to make it to the Ximena Valero show after we sat, front row, for the impressive Chelsea Rebelle
presentation.  Making our way to the huge main stage at the Los Angeles
Theater, I then settled into a chair, not quite knowing what to expect
out of this pint-sized designer. 

Ximena Valero, as I later found out, has been making waves in both Latin America and The USA.  She was named Tijuana (her home city)
hall of famer in 2008, has been based out of Mexico, San Diego, New
York and Los Angeles, and has dressed such celebrities as Alicia Keys
and Jessica Alba.

As the show opened, two models walked out in Ximena’s clothes showcasing the versatile, convertible elements of Valero’s dresses and rompers.  The models were break dancers and performed a choreographed dance as they merged one look into the next.  The clothes of Ximena Valero each convert to at least five different designs, offering something new each time you wear it.

I
was absolutely in love with the designs that followed the dancers. 
Colors ranged from black to brown to purple, pink, and green jewel
tones.  I loved the juxtaposition of old Hollywood glamour and the ornate weavings, twisting, and turnings of the jersey across the models shoulders and backs. 

Kelsi and I raved to each other about the Rompers after the show, and I'm excited to report that this trend will still be around in Spring of 2010.

As someone who loves the smart use of color, simple lines, quality fabrics, and subtle detailing, I’m very impressed with this new line by Ximena Valero and, with her clothing’s convertible qualities, I think I can safely say that a dress by Ximena Valero is a very smart investment!

-Brittan Salisbury

(photos by Kelsi Smith)