09 14, 2009 09:00 AM

Birds of Paradise

RINGSIDE

Walking into Leifsdottir’s living installation on Friday was like taking in a breath of fresh air. Studio space was transformed into a tropical garden party: Broad, silver cecropia leaves curled on the walls, birdcages were filled with chirping parakeets, and prehistoric-looking livingstonia palms nearly took over the ceiling.

Leggy models strolled in tiny dresses big on prints. Poplin blouses, linen shorts, and spring suede pants were paired with hand-embellished pumps and vintage jewelry. The spring collection is global, eclectic, and as colorful as the Indian sweets arranged on nearby cake plates (along with bowls of pistachios and gold-dusted Brazil nuts).