Down, down, down. And then suddenly, thump! thump! L.A.’s fashionistas are down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, in fashion wonderland there’s always a bottle labeled “DRINK ME” to make every garment a flawless fit. Okay, you caught me, it’s not quite that simple, but I do know of a little door that leads to a whimsical garden of fabulous fashions. 

This little door is labeled “HOUSE OF PETRO ZILLIA”, and you don’t even have to venture into the center of the earth to find it. It’s located right here on L.A.’s Third Street. The creative mind behind the label is Noni Tochterman. This year she had the honor of presenting her Spring ‘08 collection as the final show of L.A. Fashion Week. The runway transformed into a phantasmagoric eruption of electric color, and the vibrant ecstasy of the event only increased with each bold step that the models took in their gold platform heels. But honestly, how could you expect anything less than an effervescent line of vivid ensembles from a designer who sports a bumble gum pink coiffure? As the weather heats up, Noni is the style guru to look to for the upcoming season’s most fashion forward trends.

The first trend for Spring to be encountered in Petro Zillia’s wonderland of style is bright colors. Royal purple, red, tangerine, pink, aqua, lemon, and coral dominated Noni’s runway show. Whispers that recall Carroll’s hookah pipe smoking caterpillar’s question, “Who are you?” will fill any room you enter in these bold colors. They simply command “who’s that girl” attention.

Continuing on our way in Wonderland, a Cheshire cat appeared in a tree, and the following dialogue ensued:

“Would you tell me please, which way I ought to walk from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”

“I don’t much care where -- so long as I’m in style.”

“Oh, you’re sure to do that if you notice that Noni Tochterman doubtlessly found some inspiration in 70’s disco, and incorporate that look into your own wardrobe this Spring.”

The cheshire cat’s words were witty and true. Noni has been known for her skill in playing up retro trends with her own modern twist. On the runway, her designs were accessorized with large heart-shaped plastic and gold hoop earrings, metallic platform heels, and afros tied back in ponytails. Jumpsuits and high waisted shorts were featured in the line up as well. Embrace the retro trend to add some spunk to your ensemble that will have you grinning like the clever cheshire cat. 

Next stop on the adventure is a mad dress party. The watch has been dipped in a few too many cups of tea, or perhaps it was the butter, but either way, a flirty party dress has always been and will always be timeless. Persistent motifs in Tochterman’s collection were silk ruffled or tiered dresses skimming the thigh or in sweeping floor length. The world is mad about the effortlessly chic look of the flirty frock.

Grecian inspiration reigned as a ubiquitous element of Tochterman’s show. She made extensive use of the play of light and shade on silky fabrics which compared to that of the ancient Greek statues of mythological goddesses. Also, many ensembles were paired with knee-high gold Roman sandals. This goddess look exudes confidence that will make you the queen of all the boys' hearts.

Sheer fabrics were in abundance in the Petro Zillia collection. Elegantly diaphanous fabrics were used in tie-neck blouses, capes, and draped gowns. This trend was applauded at the show, and for the adventurous fashionista it can be as fun as a game of croquet, with the added vicissitude of playing with flamingos and hedgehogs.

So the big question is, “Who stole the hearts?” Don’t worry, no chaotic trial is necessary this time; the answer is obvious. Noni Tochterman has stolen our hearts this season with her Spring Collection. Remember brights, retro, dresses, Grecian inspired design, and sheer fabrics are oh-so “in” this Spring. And the best part of all is that this scintillating fashion dream doesn’t end when you open your eyes.