Miami - February 11, 2009

Class Act

Austin Jade’s Resortwear

Despite your useless major (subprime mortgage studies, pshaw), you did learn lots in college.

Like Southern Comfort is in no way comforting.

Making you look unaccomplished: design prodigy Austin Jade Murray. The 19-year-old was accepted at Istituto Marangoni in Paris, worked for Adrienne Landau and Nanette Lepore, and then launched her debut women’s wear collection, Austin Jade.

Pairing classic silhouettes with eye-popping colors (lime, fuchsia, turquoise), the local overachiever’s line of beach-ready frocks is made from 100 percent silk chiffon.

Take a romantic stroll in the flowing Bondi dress with elbow-length poet sleeves. Hit the sand in the Saint Barts, a backless, floor-length halter. Or class up shorts with the reversible Riviera top (wear it forward for a Victorian collar, backward for a cleavage-baring bow).

At last, a useful double major.

Available at RikRak, 1428 Brickell Avenue, Brickell (305-371-5577 or rikrak.com); Style Lab, 5580 Northeast Fourth Court (305-756-1010 or stylelabmiami.com). To see styles, go to austinjade.com. Trunk show tonight, 7-10 p.m., at Kitchen 305, 16701 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach (305-749-2110).