There’s no doubt that L.A.’s brightest high-fashion stars are gaining ground on the international stage.
Jenni Kayne is in with Anna Wintour (who personally advised her to do fashion presentations, as opposed to runway shows), Kimberly Ovitz was instantly picked up by huge retailers after debuting this past spring, Juan Carlos Obando and George Esquivel are recent CFDA Award nominees. And Rodarte, the Pasadena-based design house, has just been monstrously successful — nabbing the CFDA award for women’s wear in June and enjoying a steady stream of critical acclaim.
And L.A.’s growing presence was definitely felt during the first two days of New York Fashion Week.
Obando rolled out a gorgeous collection of his trademark hand-rouched cocktail dresses (this time in a rainbow of jewel-tones), flowing gowns tailored to fit just a little “off,” and leather pleated pants dusted with gold shimmer. The entire collection — from color palette to the overt gold dustings — read as an homage to the Old West. It not only felt wearable, but special.
Kayne, meanwhile, showed her sporty side with a collection of sunny-but-simple dresses and separates featuring 80s-Ralph Lauren-style blazers, pleated khakis and no-frills sheath dresses, punched up by a few metallic silver nighttime looks, including a belted silver mini-dress. Though she may have pulled inspiration from East Coast prep schools for this collection, Kayne’s aesthetic always feels very L.A. to me–the way we really dress. She’s always pragmatic (hence the flat sandals!), tailored and ever-so-slightly louche.
Photos: Juan Carlos Obando’s Technicolor cocktail dress and flowing black gown; Jenni Kayne’s ode to Eighties sportswear.
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