After being in athleisure wear for so long and seeing so much of it online and in retail shops, it was a welcome sight to see the lovely, feminine, and flowing creations of Ramona La Rue by Arianne Brown at her shop in Midtown. Her hand painted silk dresses, tops, kaftans and pants are literally works of art and unique, sure to elicit compliments.

Ramona LaRue is the creation of Coconut Grove native Arianne Brown. Each design starts off with a one-of-a-kind silk painting, water-color, or sketch, and is signed by the designer, Arianne.

The prints are then professionally transferred to fabric.  The prints, with their bright colors and nature themes of sea life, flowers, and animals, are ideal for Florida. She also sells body suits to wear with her fashions.

Her other inspiration are the women she meets.  As she says, “the bodies and designs I create act as a pallet to display my art. I strive to make a women feel natural, free and sexy.” It’s easy to see that.

Fabrics are silk or a poly blend which thankfully means home washable.

Her background story is inspiring. Having grown up hand-painting silk dresses with her mother, Mona, to sell on the streets of Coconut Grove, RLR was started by Arianne as a way to cope with her mother’s death and pay homage to her craft of hand-painted silk pieces. After experiencing many dreams with her mother, who guided her throughout the whole process, Arianne finally picked up the paint brushes left for her by Mona. That was 13 years ago.

Her fashions are sold at the shop and online. Ramona La Rue by Arianne,  3400 N Miami Ave Miami, FL 33127.