Upclose with the Winners- DLAFW Emerging Designers Competition

Winner Phong Hong, and Model wearing his look, “Femme Noir.” We found the look to be very feminine, lovely, taupey, gauzey, ruffley and gorgeous.  Mr. Hong has a nice, laid-back gentlemanly energy.

Phong Hong was born in Vietnam, but grew up in Southern California. He attended FIDM in L.A. where he earned a degree in Fashion Design. Phong also holds a Bachelors Degree in Art from UC Berkeley.

“Femme Noir is a modern and romantic collection that celebrates the heroine of the silver screen. Phong is inspired by classic and vintage concepts. The Femme Noir collection appears to be soft and feminine but there is a hint of darkness as a reminder that with every pretty rose, it is accompanied by prickly thorns.”

Gorgeous Latina designer Fernanda Carneiro is the second winner, pictured above on the left with a model wearing her “look.” Simple, classic, with a florid sash of color, this look is modern and sophisticated.

Fernanda was born in the Southern town of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and moved to the U.S. when she was 5. Recollections of the vibrant culture of Brazil, as well as growing up in Miami and Los Angeles, have influenced her work. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing, before completing her education at FIDM in Los Angeles. She launched her namesake label, Fernanda Carneiro, in 2008 with a collection of vivid silk dresses and separates, and her designs are now available in many top boutiques.

L-R  Design Team of Jaquetta O’Dell, Model, Leslie Henry

Last but certainly not least is the design team collectively known as KRYS-N-JACK. (Jaquetta O’Dell and Leslie Henry) Their look was by far the most alternative and cutting edge of the winners. The top seems to be a brassiere with tons of keys dangling from it, while the bottom appears to be made of wood pieces held together by hinges.  Wonder if it’s uncomfortable to sit down in this?

O’Dell and Henry met in 2003 in Oklahoma, where they maintained an independent clothing line. They then moved to London, studied for a  year, then relocated to Los Angeles to get out of the rain and finish school. Leslie finished her BFA in Fashion Design in Sept. 2009. Jaquetta holds a dual degree in Fashion Design and Business, and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Creative Writing.

Both women have an obsession with alternative textiles and strive to create pieces that push their limits. Given the nature of their art, they live and work out of a garage- like setting.

Interesting note:  All 3 looks featured high hemlines.  So much for the theory that hemlines go way down during recessions!

Check out the show on October 13th! Fashion Angel Awards Emerging Designer Showcase

 [Photos Via LAFashionWeek.com]

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