Haute couture on the Buenos Aires catwalk

Both young and not so young grace the catwalk for Argentine designer Roberto Piazza's latest haute couture collection.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (MAY 24, 2009) REUTERS -
With high polish fabrics, animal prints and bright colors, Argentine designer Roberto Piazza presented his latest haute couture collection "50 Años De Amor Enterno" ("50 Years of Eternal Love) in Buenos Aires on Sunday (May 24).
Piazza celebrated his 50th birthday on May 16, and said the collection was dedicated to himself.

The pavilions of La Rural exhibition center were dominated by Piazza's trademark sequins and luscious beading.

"To make clothing that has a huge impact but at the same time can also used. Because to make an impact, anyone can do that, the thing is that you have to like it but at the same time you feel like you can use it for an occasion, obviously for an important occasion. I am happy," Piazza told Reuters.

The designs on show didn't stray far from Piazza's usual offerings, but Piazza said it is one of his favorite collections.

"Today we are celebrating the complete haute couture collection. I think and I can assure you that this is the most beautiful collection I have done in my life, on all levels. Thirty-five years [on the catwalk] is a lot but, well, the aesthetics, the work, the beading, the colors, the cuts, the textures, everything came together and is very beautiful," Piazza said.

Several former Argentine catwalk models also graced the stage. The likes of Ingrid Gruke, Catalina Rautemberg, Carmen Yazalde and Debora Bello were famous during their time, but have been off the catwalk for many years now.

They came out in force however to help celebrate Roberto Piazza's trademark collection.