American label Bebe fashion (pronounced "bee bee") features a diverse range of designs in its Spring Fever Spring 2009 Collection

Wild Thing: Two safari-inspired outfits from Bebe's spring collection 2008

Eclectic Mix of spring fashion from Bebe

By WONG LI ZA

WHEN the theme of a fashion launch is Safari Chic, naturally earthy and khaki hues spring to mind. And since it's a spring collection, it seems only logical to include floral designs and pastel shades.

American label Bebe (pronounced "bee bee") features a diverse range of designs in its Spring Fever Spring 2009 Collection.

The line-up exhibits strong prints, neutral hues and floral designs to meet the various needs of the modern woman. Fabrics include plush textures such as high quality silk, knit, stretch sateen and rich jersey.

In keeping with the Safari theme are Kenyan-inspired creations featuring heavy animal prints and khaki suits. Shades in this range are predictably camel, beige, brown or black.

A standout piece is the leopard-face print tube dress that looks comfy and sensuous.
The design also comes in a slash neckline, waist-gathered top which, paired with a pair of pants or jeans, would make a great party outfit.

Colourful caftans and floral butterfly print dresses form the brighter side of the collection.

The tops come with feminine ruffles and slit-sleeve designs in colours ranging from fuchsia to striking blue.

For casual get-ups, skinny distressed denims are stylishly paired with short caftans or racerback tanks.

Those looking for a sharp office outfit might be interested in the vest and pencil skirt combo with fringed detailing.

The Spring 2009 collection also has some fitted and structured jackets which, matched with short pants or denim jeans, create a pared down look.

Current Bebe chairman and founder Manny Mashouf opened the first Bebe boutique in San Francisco back in 1976, filling a niche that was neither junior nor bridge, and he hasn't looked back since.

The Shakespearean phrase "to be or not to be" inspired Mashouf to choose the name of the fashion label.

Interestingly, the word Bebe means "woman" in Turkish and the Persian name for the queen in a deck of cards.

Celebrity clientele of the label are believed to include Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez.

The label Bebe entered Malaysia in September 2007 and is also found in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

* Bebe boutiques are located at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, and 1 Utama -Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.