From Spill to Style

Fashion can often be a catastrophe. Rarely is it inspired by catastrophe.

Which is why we were intrigued when L.A.-based designer Yotam Solomon told us his spring 2011 collection would draw from the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill that grabbed headlines throughout the summer (its long-term effects remain anything but clear).

Solomon, 23, has quickly gained attention both at home and abroad for his designs and was recently featured in an LG campaign with Victoria Beckham. His sensitivity with the Gulf spill actually didn't come as a surprise: In July, Solomon readily donated a piece from his collection to a silent auction for the third-annual L.A. Garden Party benefitting International Bird Rescue Research Center, a leading oiled wildlife response team based in California (Style Section L.A. was a proud media sponsor of the event).

But creating a collection around the disaster? A brave creative endeavour, to say the least — and one that has resulted in some beautiful pieces.

Solomon recently took a few moments with Style Section L.A. to discuss an unlikely inspiration for a dynamic spring collection.

Style Section L.A.: At what point did you decide to create your collection using inspiration from the spill?

Solomon: This collection is very close to my heart, as I decided to create it during the first few weeks of the oil spill. It didn't make sense that with all of the technology that we have, it was still taking forever [to stop the leak]. I chose to do it since it didn't seem like the public had all of the facts. People still don't know the experts told them not to drill there in the first place — it's a huge awareness issue. Through designing I am able to raise awareness and give my customers a garment that empowers them, at the same time focusing on a topic that I believe is important to spread the word about.

FADE TO BLACK: A look from Yotam Solomon s/s 2011 collection. Photographed by Odessy Barbu; Hair/Makeup by Crystal Boyce; Jewelry by AvantGarde; Art backdrop by Toby Wearing; Model: Chelsea - Next LA.

What's new about this collection?

I created this season to be more conceptual as we are finally entering the wholesale segment. Each piece is named after a chemical on the periodic table of elements — since oil and water contain so many of those elements, which is meaningful to me. There are great details, such as inner bustiers with metal boning, spilled oil-inspired contrasts, shaped organza paneling and my signature cut-outs.

How will you show your line for the upcoming L.A. Fashion Week?

For this season we are planning a presentation that's currently being finalized. It's unfortunate that there are no good runway productions in town, even through some people tend to think that there are. It's important to realize why the rest of the world lost interest — there are specifics that I will not review at the moment. As with my last show at the Chateau Marmont, I will be creating an intimate atmosphere and look forward to raising awareness and donating proceeds to clean the BP Oil Spill.