By Rakhee Bhatt on February 14, 2011
When the music from “The Nutcracker” gave way to all out rock, we settled in for what was sure to be a thrilling show. With an astounding 69 looks sent down the runway, nearly each one garnered “oohs” and “aahs” from the mesmerized audience. A short leather dress with ruched sleeves, a long maroon velvet number with beaded neck details, and metallic and silver sequined dresses were just some of the pieces that could bring out the Joan Jett in any woman. The Hungarian-bred Stern, who cut her teeth as a professional architect, a clasically trained pianist and a flamenco dance, channeled her passions into the masterpiece of the season with this regal ivory silk organza wedding gown shown at right. Absolutely breathtaking.
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By Rakhee Bhatt on February 12, 2011
Fall is usually a time when the easiness of summer dressing gives way to structured silhouettes. But at Lyn Devon’s Fall 2011 presentation on Thursday, the designer took a different approach with an easy, breezy collection of 1970s-inspired gear that was a departure from her sophisticated black and white offerings of her spring, 2011 stock. Cozy knit sweaters, drop-waist dresses and drawstrings a plenty are some of the casual touches that makes us think this collection will fare far better on the West Coast rather than the East.
Here were some of our favorite looks:
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By Editors on January 20, 2011
After a string of outerwear let-downs in Milan (Burberry and Prada come to mind, no wonder why WWD said the collections lacked “wow” factor), it was fantastic to see Louis Vuitton’s show in Paris (click here for the full collection at GQ.com). Refereshing futurama. Some of the cropped jackets reminded me a bit of Simon Spurr a few seasons ago, if a more luxe, rarified take this time around. The wide lapel, belted trench is a fantastic piece. —Paul Dexter
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By Editors on January 18, 2011
Jim Moore, GQ’s creative director, hit the nail on the head with his endorsement of this mini houndstooth peak lapel suit from Armani’s fall collection. Could it be that the skinny suit is finally passe?
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By Editors on October 21, 2010
Perhaps this shot merits a caption contest.
For the runway fashion of the evening, click here. —Jordan Rae Lake
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By Mary Frances Van Dyke on October 19, 2010
Looks from spring 2011, left to right. Fraiche, Yana K and Couture by W.
It is always exciting to get a sneak peek at trends for the upcoming season, but disappointing when you realize you can’t get your hands on them for months. And that was our very first thought upon seeing a bevy of cool, chunky knits on the Directives West First L.A. runway last Friday at the California Market Center.
Local labels Fraiche, Yana K and Couture by W featured spring-appropriate loose-knit, crocheted sweaters in wool and cotton — the perfect combination of effortless, bohemian rock n’ roll chic. And we wanted them that very second.
But there’s no need to fret — you don’t have to hold out until March to wear the colors and silhouettes we saw at the show. You can buy and wear knits inspired by these pieces right now. And below are a few of our favorites perfect for the cool fall months.
Graham & Spencer open stitch sweater, $248. freepeople.com
Queen’s Wardrobe cracker knit, $69. queenswardrobe.com
Markus Lupfer laddered knit sweater, $335. openingceremony.us
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By Editors on October 18, 2010
Attendees at Concept LA Fashion Week. Does it get any cuter?
For more shots of Saturday evening at Spring Arts Tower downtown, click here.—Jordan Rae Lake
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By Rakhee Bhatt on October 13, 2010
LA Market Week kicks off in a few days and what better way to start than with sister designing duo Carol and Elizabeth Ai, of AI for AI, who will be unveiling their spring/summer collection this Thursday October 14th at E.P.I.C. Boutique. Music guests Boom Bip, Bobby Evans, and The Pastries will be on hand while customers can view an art installation by Owen Schmit. The fall/winter collection will also be available for purchase, priced between $80-350.
Can’t make it Thursday? Head over to the California Market Center on Friday where trend forecasting firm Directives West will be hosting a cocktail reception and contemporary runway presentation of the spring/summer collection.
Reservations are required to attend.
AI for AI at Epic Boutique. 1712 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. rsvp to aiforairsvp@gmail.com
Directives West Presents AI for AI at First.LA. 110 E. Ninth St, Los Angeles. 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. rsvp to nayiri@directiveswest.com
[mappress]
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By Editors on October 7, 2010
The Heidi Klum principle is unfortunately true. One day you’re in… yadda yadda. But Neil Barrett, a former designer for Prada whose menswear is among the best in the business, has seriously amped the execution on his women’s collection. Not incredibly sure why it seems no one notices that much. Lanvin, Chanel and Barrett’s former employer seemed to have sucked all the air out of the atelier this season. And granted their shows were great. But let’s obsess over someone else for once. Loved the homage to Belgian sculptor Arne Quinze.
Click here for a slideshow.
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By Editors on October 6, 2010
The plunging neckline. The flapper fringe. Haven’t we seen this … before?
Yes, from the days when you used to watch Project Runway. Of course comparing Louis Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs with Laura Bennett is a bit like comparing Mrs. Dalloway with Last Night at Chateau Marmont. Though much of the show struck me as a mandarin collar mess, there was a sense of fun and frivolity that tends to unleash a hefty amount of dopamine in my brain. With Jacobs, it’s usually just fun to go along on the ride. —Krista Jennings
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