LA FASHION WEEK.COM

Fashion Failures and Successes of 2009

Christian Lacroix.  Photo Credit: Jezebel.com

Was 2009 an Annus Horriblis for fashion?

Check out this insightful story on the Jezebel Blog:

Lindsay Lohan, Christian Lacroix, And Every Celebrity Clothing Line Known To Man: Fashion Failures And Successes Of 2009

Jude Law stars in new Dior Commercial-- Buggin' or beautiful?

Merry Christmas!

Snuggie fashion show. (Yes, there really was a Snuggie fashion show in New York)  Photo courtesy of Snuggie

Future of L.A. Fashion Week (Now that the dust has settled)

Photo by Jeanne Lawrence

Via the blog http://fashionbreaking.blogspot.com/

After nearly a month of runway shows, events and trade shows, Los Angeles’ fashion community is assessing the sprawling—and occasionally chaotic—mix of events, and show producers are already gearing up for next season of L.A. Fashion Week. 

The tough economy made it especially challenging for many show producers to line up sponsorship. But undeterred, the schedule included more than 60 events happening around town. This season’s lineup included returning events Downtown L.A. Fashion Week, L.A. Fashion Weekend and BOXeight and newcomers L.A. Fashion on Broadway and Rock Fashion Week. There were also many independent events, including Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion (now part of Rock Fashion Week) and Project Ethos; fund-raisers, including Passion Revealed; and private events featuring Kevan Hall, Corey Lynn Calter and others.

Most events were held in the evenings, leaving many in the industry available to attend the many trade events also scheduled in October, including the Majors Market, Los Angeles Fashion Market, the Los Angeles International Textile Show, Material World & Technology Solutions, GlobalTex and European Rendezvous. 

Los Angeles–based Hall, who showed in the past at IMG’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, opted to show independently. (Although he said he’d consider joining the lineup of another fashion week event if he were asked to participate.) “Since there’s no more participation by IMG and Smashbox, you have to think out of the box and find a venue that is impactful, will showcase your collection in the best possible light and be an exciting venue for the clients,” Hall said. The designer showed his Kevan Hall Signature collection on a dramatic set on the lot of Universal Studios. The event was held in partnership with luxury auto dealer Rusnak Auto Group, which showcased its new cars from Rolls Royce, Porsche and Jaguar. 

For the rest of the story, click here.

What do YOU think about the future of L. A. Fashion Week?  Comments welcome.

Future Heretics and Vlado Footwear from LAWF 10 15 09

Toy Drive and Fashion Show at Smashbox Studios Dec. 17th Benefited Sickle Cell

Story and Images by Stefhan Gordon, Special Correspondent

Last Thursday night Dec. 17, celebrity manicurist Melissa Bozant and image expert Serese Teate  / Regal Group hosted and produced a toy drive to benefit children with Sickle Cell at Smash Box Studios which featured a fashion show showcasing winter evening wear looks with furs provided by  Edwards-Lowell of Beverly Hills, accessories by Caldwell Sutherland Designs, shoes by  Michael Antonio, and gowns and women's suits designed by the amazing Kevan Hall.

Styling for the show was done by Kendrick Osorio, with make up and cosmetics provided by Milani Cosmetics.

Here’s a little extra info on both the producer Serese Teate and stylist Kendrick Osorio, whose resumes are both long and impressive. The following is clipped from their respective biographies

Serese has worked on various editorial shoots and assisting with AD campaigns for such lines as PRADA Homme and BCBG. Her work has graced the pages and covers of magazines such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, Harpers Bazaar, V Magazine, Seventeen, Ebony, Complex and many more as well as several television appearances. Serese recently worked behind the scenes during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York Spring/Summer 2009 on the creative team as a Event Ambassador adding her talents to the runway shows of Tadashi Shoji, Charlotte Ronson, Cesar Galindo, Gerlan Jeans and Nary Mandivong. 

Kendrick has worked on a diverse range of commercial, editorial and celebrity shoots. In addition to working as a wardrobe stylist for such publications as Vogue, W and Los Angeles Confidential, he has also garnered credits in art direction. Notable projects/clients include the Vons Safeway campaign produced (directed by Irv Blitz), Keep the Drive for Philsfilms and The California Tourism Campaign featuring Vanessa Marcil (directed by Jake Scott). Celebrity clients have included Blaire Underwood, Courtney Love, Val Kilmer, and Serana Williams amongst many others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Shoot and Q&A with Future Heretics

Story and photos by Stefhan Gordon, Special Correspondent

Located in downtown L.A., The House-of-HERETICS, Future Heretics 1980's bred head Designer/Artist Bryden Lando (originally from Hawaii) appreciates cultural art, though from a non-conforming point of view. Bryden fuses the seemingly contradictory elements of high fashion and punk rock. This general mindset and running theme drives the concept, art, and designs of FUTURE HERETICS.

With Bryden’s dynamic personality, reflected in the design, edge and elegance harmoniously come together and give this premium-denim based street-wear line a distinct signature, in an overly saturated industry, especially for those heretics that don't conform to established attitudes, doctrines, or beliefs and hold their own controversial unorthodox opinions.

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LAFW: For your spring line, what were your inspirations, and what are you trying to achieve? Movies, materials, textures?

BL: My inspirations came much from the current political climate as well as various film influences from my past.  I had a running story through my head during the design process of this post New World Order Apocalypse and a group of young rebel surfers fighting the fascist leaders.  I worked with a lot of distressed denim, leather, hardware, military influences, etc.

LAFW: For the pieces photographed, do you have any specific comments regarding how the jackets or the materials were processed?

BL: For the pieces photographed, it was mostly really distressed denim and army twill, with quilting accents and braids. 

LAFW: Also for the items photographed, can you list all the pieces for each look?

BL: For the two men's looks we had a distressed twill blazer with harness, torn shirts, Braided scarf and twill military pants.  Second look was a vintage denim jacket, distressed shirt, braided scarf, and military twill pant.  Women's first look was a Vintage wash denim moto jacket, ripped tank, and military drop-crotch pant.  Second look was a denim army trench-coat, vintage tank, quilted bike short, and braided scarf.
 
LAFW: Finally, where in LA can one purchase your items?
LAFW: Is your website inclusive, or are you going into more and new stores in 2010?

BL: In LA you can purchase items at American Rag, Kin, and others. We're still expanding our website boutique list so check back often or email us with product request.  Items can be purchased online at www.makersusa.com

LAFW: Thank you very much
BL: You’re welcome, thank you too.


About the Photographer: Due to his father being an avid photographer with a dark room in the basement, Stefhan of SHGfoto.com has quite literally been shooting a SLR camera since the age of four. His photography ranges in style and content from fashion and beauty model portfolio development for agency models in Los Angeles to runway, event, and concert photography for LAfashionWEEK.com, Examiner.com, and numerous up and coming bands. Stefhan also reports on the fashion and music industries for these two dot coms. In Stefhan's "other" life, he's an award winning Ivy League educated architect and interior designer.

LAFW Note: This is the first of a series featuring Los Angeles area designers. If you are a LA Designer and would like your work featured, please email Stefhan Gordon at stefhan.gordon@shgfoto.com

The Truth about Men and MakeUp

Sormé Treatment Cosmetics (Sorme.com) sent us this handy guide to makeup for men to get that healthy, rested look. Was it a hint?

 

STEP 1.  Prime.

Your skin needs to be kept hydrated, soothed, and healed. Fresh Start primer is a silicone-free skin primer that does it all with a blend of aloe-vera, cucumber and melon peptides, and chamomile. It's great as an aftershave lotion.

 

STEP 2. Camouflage.

Using a light-weight concealer or a product like Sormé's Undershadow primer, you can use a concealer brush to hide dark circles, capillaries and blemishes by feathering the product lightly over these areas.

 

STEP 3.  Even Out.

Your skin isn't just one solid color. There are a lot of different tones to make up your complexion. The goal is not to make your skin all one color, but to use just a little liquid foundation to even those tones out a little, going over the concealer to really hide the inconsistencies in your skin color.

 

STEP 4. Play Hard.

Guys want to look as if they spend their Saturday afternoons playing football in the park, hiking, or racing cars. Bronzer is a necessity to getting this “great outdoors” look. A kabuki brush loaded with a matte bronzer (steer clear of shimmer) does a great job of dusting bronzer on the top of your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Use sparingly, so that you don't start to look too caked up with powder.

 

STEP 5. Brows.

If you're not comfortable with having your brows waxed and keeping them groomed, you should try to keep them from becoming too unruly by using a brow fixative like Sormé's Get-a-Brow Gel. If you notice some grey in your brows, try one of the tinted fixatives to cover them.

 

STEP 6. Finishing Touch.

Apply a clear, ultra-hydrating gloss to your lips for soft-looking lips. The secret is to apply the gloss first, and then to blot it off with a tissue before stepping away from the mirror. Allow your lips to absorb the treatment and then lose the gloss.

 

Prince Mario-Max Prince Schaumburg-Lippe, afficionado of Sormé.

 

“Frequently, I'm complimented on my hale complexion,” said Prince Mario-Max Prince Schaumburg-Lippe of Austria, “My secret is out.  I love to treat my skin to the wonderful products by Sormé. Make up is not just for women anymore. Let's face it- we all want to look good!”

 

Robert Hensley, Sormé Cosmetics' master artist, commenting on the benefits of make up for men, said: “Male complexion enhancement boosts self-esteem, which creates the confidence to really succeed, both in the bedroom and the boardroom. That is the truth about men and makeup.”

 

Oh and guys- if it’s obvious you’re wearing M.U.— you’ve probably got a little too much on.  Yes- we’re talking about you, Zac Ephron!

 

 

 

Prophetik Fashion Show on Horseback-Malibu-- 9 Dec. 09

Story by: Mary Showstark  Images by: Michael Gardner photography

Impulsion:  Fashion Runway Show on Horseback was held in Malibu, California, on the ninth of December, 2009.  The fashion show hosted by Rancho Sea Air benefited Equine Destiny and Sweet Water Ranch. 

Walking into the event, you were not sure if you stepped into a Renaissance Fair.  There were horses, ponies, and beautiful fashion.  The  clothing line was, Prophetik, by Jeff Garner.  Garner’s clothing line is described as “wearable philosophy.”   The line is spiritual and sustainable concentrating on recyclable and reusable materials.  Prophetik focuses on low impact on animal and plant life, conservation of limited resources and minimizing waste. The line is colorful, comfortable and exudes a pixie like grace; there are also sharp men’s clothing, form fitting and with crisp lines.  The models walked a run-way made of hay and some of the models rode on horseback.  The horses and their riders jumped over the runway depicting a perfect representation of the elegance that Prophetik upholds.

Garner and Prophetik are very focused on charity and the cause represented in the show was for “Equine Destiny,” a film produced by Adam Steele, depicting and exposing the inhumane way in which America’s horses are being handled.  The movie has been submitted for Sundance Film Festival 2010.  For more details check out www.equinedestiny.com and www.prophetik.com. 

Audrey Hepburn's Most Iconic Gowns on Auction in London

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images:

Story via The Daily Beast:

Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic gowns went on the block in London this week, tripling the pre-sale estimate. Olivia Cole on the little black dresses with Tiffany prices. VIEW OUR GALLERY

As much for fashion as for film, Audrey Hepburn inspires a kind of religious devotion. With Moon River playing above the excited chatter, it was an almost cultish gathering in London's Pall Mall for fashion auction house Kerry Taylor’s sale of dozens of pieces from Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe, which sold for £286,000 (about $465,000), three times their pre-sale estimate.

"Audrey… Givenchy and Audrey" quipped auctioneer Taylor, hardly having to coax bidders. From the opening items—a modest selection of hats—it was clear that the leaner times that have affected the art market don’t apply to Audrey worship.

The clothes—gifts to her lifelong friend Tanja Star-Busmann—represent a fraction of Hepburn’s vast wardrobe, most of which is still owned by her foundation, and the Givenchy archive. Beginning in 1951, when Hepburn left London to make her Broadway debut in Gigi, she gave her best girlfriend everything she no longer needed and made a habit of doing the same throughout her life. Star-Busmann, now 75, must have had an enviable figure. At 5 foot 7, Hepburn, who trained as a ballerina before growing too tall, had a 22-inch waist.

Read the rest of the story at: The Daily Beast