High heels but no flats

Mozambique’s Fashion Wednesdays have replaced the former Tortilla Flats’ Taco Tuesdays.

Six local designers of jewelry, swimwear and accessories are showing off their wares in the upstairs terrace and Shabeen Lounge at the posh eatery that supplanted the Mexican cantina.

Customers get to meet the designer of the week and munch on free hors d’oeuvres, set against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Cocktails and wine are available at happy-hour prices. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m.

“A lot of the artists and designers that we are showcasing first came in as customers,” lounge manager Leigh-Anne Tucker said. “We realized we had something special we could offer.”

Designers Reem Khalil, Emily Howell, Staci Shubert, Elena Pompei, Heather Lecy and Diana Garreau take turns parading their work ? called “trunk shows” because the designers take their collections on the road.

Tucker organized the rotating shows, which began in March.

Textile artist Khalil is the designer du jour May 3 and again on June 14. She is best known for wearable silks that feature vibrant designs she paints in her Laguna Beach backyard. Khalil’s work has been in the Sawdust summer and Winter Fantasy festivals. She is a past winner in Surface Design at the Indian Wells Arts Festival, and recently won for Best Fashion Design at the show.

In between her dates at Mozambique, Khalil’s work can be seen at the Laguna Beach Craft Guild shows on May 14 and 28 or at her studio. Call (949) 338-1518 to arrange a visit.

Howell hand-crafts one-of-a-kind jewelry. Each item is composed of treasures she picks up at vintage flea markets, estate sales and gem shows. Mozambique has scheduled her for May 10. Before and after that, Gems by Emily can be seen at Little Bohemian on the corner of Beach Street and Ocean Avenue.

Schubert, whose work will be showcased May 17, began producing her line of purses, totes, and cell-phone covers while still a student pursuing a degree in fashion design. She crafts designs in leather and suede that hug and enhance a woman’s curves, to make them comfortable as well as beautiful.

Pompei’s line, which will be featured May 24 at the restaurant, can also be seen at LaLa on South Coast Highway.

“We carry her adult bikinis and we also have some cover-ups,” said store employee Alexis Armistead.

Pompei’s children’s line is carried at Lucy Max on Glenneyre Street and Bambini on Ocean Avenue.

A former professional windsurfer, Pompei’s love of the ocean inspired her career in swimwear design. Born in Rome and raised in Paris, Pompei strives for a combination of femininity and great fit. For more information, visit www.pompeibeach.com.

Lecy’s inspiration for her jewelry is the natural elements that surround her ? “from the sun to rain, to the trees and ocean.” Her pieces are sometimes described as simple and imperfect ? art to be worn every day. Her work will be shown on May 31. Some examples of what she calls “jewelry that brings out the shine in your individual shimmer” can be seen on www.heatherlecy.com.

Jeweler Garreau, who draws her inspiration from a childhood spent in Madagascar, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Europe, was the local designer that inspired Mozambique fashion shows.

Garreau incorporates African trading beads ? used in the 18th Century as currency ? in her current collection called “Lampanzi,” the Zulu word for resting lace. The line will be shown June 7.

“We loved the African connection,” Tucker said.

Mozambique’s menu features signature dishes such as Peri Peri rotisserie chicken and Duban lamb curry, seasoned by Master Chef Alfonso Contrisciani with the spices that call up visions of the exotic locales that inspire Garreau.

“The trunk shows are being marketed to moms who don’t have time to shop, but still enjoy an evening out,” Tucker said.

You don’t have to be a parent to be welcome at the shows.

“We are thrilled that our initial trunk shows at Mozambique were such a tremendous success and that the artisan’s work was so well received,” said Anthony Shill, managing partner of the restaurant. “I invite everyone to join us at Mozambique and meet them in a fun and intimate setting.”

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended.

Mozambique is at 1740 South Coast Highway.

For more information about the trunk shows, visit www.mozambiqueoc.com or call (949) 715-7777. PHOTOS BY DON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Reem Khalil with one of her ‘wearable’ art silks that will be featured at Mozambique’s fashion shows, to take place on upcoming Wednesdays. Reem Khalil adds detail to a silk in the backyard of her home studio as she prepares for upcoming series of fashion shows at Mozambique Restaurant. cpt.28-fashion-2-CPhotoInfoGP1QCMQO20060428iycsblnc(LA)Reem Khalil adds detail to a silk in the backyard of her home studio as she prepares for upcoming series of fashion shows at Mozambique Restaurant. cpt.28-fashion-1-CPhotoInfoGP1QCMQL20060428iycsavnc(LA)