La Florida Chic: IT'S LOVE: Visionary Women Behind the Clothes

We all collectively swooned during the first scene of the "Sex and the City" movie - not because we couldn't wait for our neurotic, lovestruck Carrie to be swept away by Mr. Big, where she would gaze into his bushy eyebrows - er, dark brown eyes, for all eternity. NO. Not at all. Our hearts melted a little because of the incredible dress she was wearing: a serene bone-colored, knee-length jersey number with an Amazon-Rainforest sized posie covering her right shoulder, detailed with a bit of gold. The power of a dress is not lost on us.

And how about all of the other movies that are so well-groomed...without the impeccable "costumes," the entire feel is out the window. In "Casino Royale," the debut of the new and rugged 007, Daniel Craig is absolutely dreamy - but it really isn't just the abs and eyes - he also has a damn-fine style...thanks to whom?

Because this is the time of the month to give love, spread love and receive love (even if you have to yank it - from measly compliment to single carnation - from your amour's heart) - La Florida Chic is sending a Valentine to our favorite Hollywood Costume Designers of all time!

These five women have distracted us from key plot points, clever little lines and even sloppy on-screen make-out scenes to contemplate a flattering neckline, a genius color combination and a whimsical touch that can take a dress from pretty to legendary.

So, thank you ladies, from our hearts! And Happy Valentine's Day!!!

LINDY HEMMING

Born in Wales, Lindy Hemming has worked on some of the most high-profile and high-octane American movies. The careful combination of action, amazing visual effects and a bigger-than-life style is what gives these flicks their punch - and Hemming is responsible for 1/3 of this equation.

Here are some of her memorable on-screen designs:

Vesper Lynd and 007, Casino Royale

Lara Croft, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life

Bruce Wayne, The Dark Knight

LOUISE FROGLEY

Ms. Frogley has worked with some of the most talented (and incredibly attractive) actors in Hollywood today, namely George Clooney. Hailing from the U.K., she has been in the American movie business for a couple decades, lending her talents to such films as Siriana, Traffic, Leatherheads, Good Night and Good Luck and recently Quantum of Solace - the latest in the James Bond franchise.

Here's some of her memorable on-screen work:

Quantum of Solace

Ocean's Thirteen

Leatherheads

EDITH HEAD

The question is not which movies has the incomparable Ms. Head worked on -
it's which ones didn't she? The list seems made up, actually: A Foreign Affair, The Great Gatsby, Blue Hawaii, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Barefoot in the Park and - of course - Breakfast at Tiffany's, among dozens more.

An homage was paid to her in Pixar's "The Incredibles," as the costume designer Edna E. Mode was based on her.

Funny Face

Barefoot in the Park

Love With the Proper Stranger

PATRICIA FIELD

A native New Yorker, Patricia Field has come to define over-the-top glamour that breaks the mold, giving women license to be creative, funky, daring and darling - all at once. It's as if she has a direct line to all of our little-girl fantasies: ballerina skirts, princess shoes, grand tiaras and makes them over into womanly wearables. She is nothing less than a design diva.