Chicago, Illinois is home to the Aqua Tower — a 265-metre architectural marvel that looks more like a sculpture of water than a highrise building. Construction has just finished this year, and already people are taking note of its impeccable design. It is the fifth tallest building in the world. Lara Presber, a Calgary-based women’s wear designer and architect, has designed her Spring/Summer 2010 collection with the Aqua Tower as her inspiration. Since the tower was designed by Studio Gang Architects, which is a female-led firm, it seems very fitting that her inspiration for women’s wear would come from an inspirational women’s interest story.

Presber’s designs are ready-to-wear, and known for their clean lines, tailoring and interesting silhouettes. For this season, she’s decided to play up the theme of water and showcase its elegance and power through graphic prints with blue hues, geometric shapes and light fabrics that are perfect for the spring season. She also uses a neutral palette of greys and nudes as a nod to the tower itself.

I’m a huge fan of bold shapes and silhouettes, and I think that Presber achieves that. She uses linen, silk and bamboo for her pieces, and accents them with other natural elements like wood buttons. Keeping her collection “green” really illustrates not only how she was inspired by nature, but also that she is keeping with current trends.

The juxtaposition of her flowy garments paired with some structured pieces like jackets and trousers is a classic way to maintain a feminine look while still looking polished. Her style ensures that the pieces you choose will be staples in your wardrobe for a long time — and I don’t know about you, but I’m all about classic, staple pieces. Such great investments! But I digress. Her design aesthetic is really interesting in that it really reflects the idea behind the design of the Aqua Tower. One look at her clothes and it’s quite clear that she had it in mind when designing.

— Kate Aenlle