That about sums up our feelings on Yotam Soloman’s Fall/Winter 2010 presentation Thursday night. The confusion started with the location a private residence tucked high up in the “Bird Streets” section of the Hollywood Hills. After zig zagging through a massive line of traffic on stick-thin roads we pulled up to the valet only to be turned away. So we went in search of street parking. And during the 15 minute, uphill trek girls had to remove their heels. Eventually, though on the brink of an asthma attack, we arrived with a smile hoping to see some great fashion to match our travel efforts and the excellent jetliner views.
Then came a second round of confusion.
In lieu of a runway, models would be “milling about near the couches.” Uh, ok. And judging by our eavesdropping, it seemed we weren’t the only bewildered guests. This is ridiculous”… “Wait, where is the runway?”… “Did we miss the show?”…”Is there a show?”…
But even more confusing than the lead up to the “show” was the collection itself. A lack of cohesion made it difficult to discern Solomon’sdesigns from a random party-goer’s ensemble. Between a complicated satin mini, a fringed jersey dress and what looked like a skirt-suit for the club, we were left, dare we say it again, confused. On the upside, Solomon is only 22, which leaves plenty of room for growth. And his collection of shoes on display were promising.
Overall, the event fell victim to the typical evils of L.A. Fashion—lack of attention to design and detail for an excuse to schmooze and booze.
The subdued presentation of McQueen’s fall 2010 collection — or 15 looks from what likely would have been a larger addition to his already prodigious ouevre — were shown Tuesday in a salon at PPR, the luxury conglomerate owned by Francois Pinault that counts the McQueen label among its holdings.
The collection is, as one would expect, miraculous. Oskar Weinstein has the full collection on his great website here.
It’s a shame we didn’t see McQueen’s work commemorated at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday. For most who vamp along the red carpet, perhaps he was just too “edgy” (I word I still don’t really understand when it comes to describing fashion, though I assume it’s something antithetical to pretty and safe).
On my count, Salma Hayek was the only recognizable face to wear McQueen on Oscar night (to the Elton John afterparty, and the posterior of the dress was delightfully not one most Hollywood actresses would want associated with them). Then again, Hayek is married to … Francois Pinault.
Our pal Adam Tschorn over the L.A. Times, cracked the code this morning on what’s happening so far for L.A. Fashion Week. Looks to be a mash-up of one-off events.
Here’s Tschorn’s rundown:
BOXeight
Although we’re told the full schedule won’t be released until later this week, the dates — for whatever shape the event takes (last season [...]
Milan Fashion Week has offered various takes on the tough-as-nails aesthetic that’s been squatting in the fashion zeitgeist every since the recession started. And I’m all for the black-heavy, city-ready styles that make you feel as though you just stepped off a Herb Ritts photo shoot with a baby-faced Cindy Crawford.
Bottega Veneta’s variations (see center) [...]
The men’s shows in New York haven’t been exactly revelatory statements, but then again not all of us want to wear some grand declaration on irony or consumption or whatever; we just want a decent fair isle sweater. Rag & Bone had them in spades in a tight collection. I can’t say I like their denim (ridiculously priced and not all that fashionable, steer clear). The fall pieces are striking, however. Thanks to Michael Williams of the incomparable blog A Continuous Lean for taking this video of the final walk at NYFW. — Paul Dexter
Rodarte, L.A.’s most celebrated fashion export, abandoned its gothy spider-web aesthetic for Fall 2010 with a more upbeat show inspired by the Southwest, Mexican arts and crafts and Native American culture.
The change in direction was welcome – but the presentation felt like it was more about showmanship than clothes. The heavily styled looks obscured the [...]
I liked what I saw from Michael Bastian’s fall 2010 collection. Perhaps one of New York’s best menswear designers has gotten a little bored designing for sensitive, rich frat boys, guys who have a dog-earred copy of On the Road permanently displayed on Crate & Barrel nightstand tables.
Part of it was just styling effect, but I do like the harder-edge looks that unlike much of his oeuvre, are decidedly not what you wear to meet the in-laws. Less Kerouac, more Palahniuk. View the full collection here via GQ.com. —Paul Dexter
Erin Featherston’s dainty, girly clothes have always been pretty — but often felt like human-sized doll clothes, they were so very, very precious.
But if her fresh-feeling Fall ‘10 collection is any indication, the designer has officially stepped out of the Barbie mansion.
The tight, breezy collection — which was inspired by 60s singer Nico – featured [...]
Feb 14, New York: Lee Pace, Chace Crawford, Ryan Phillippe, Kellan Lutz and Mehcad Brooks attend the Calvin Klein Men’s Collection Fall 2010 Fashion Show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Happy belated Valentines Day, indeed.
In a sea of national and international designers that make up New York Fashion Week, I can proudly say that a couple of our Angelino’s are making a strong statement (and causing me to wear my oversized shades and uber-blonde bob with pride despite cold, drab weather conditions).
At Milk Studios on Saturday night, Band of Outsiders and Boy held a presentation (or, more realistically, a party/visual feast). A series of brilliantly propped vignettes surrounded the room, transporting guests to an Alice in Wonderland Alpine ski vacation with the coolest bunch of traveling companions you could imagine. And when it came to the clothes designer Scott Sternberg didn’t disappoint, displaying his usual knack for twisting preppy tailoring into unique, desirable looks. Memorable scenes included slouchy tweed pants paired with fitted ski vests and blazers, cut off wooly mittens hanging from models sin the midst of a backwoods winter wonderland — a beat up car and snow mobile — and my personal favorite, an adorable prepped up boy atop a stack of white chairs nearly 10 feet high. Which just goes to show that Sternberg’s overall vision continues moving upward and onward.
Cut to Sunday afternoon back at Milk Studios, where the technically savvy Juan Carlos Obando showed his latest line in an intimate setting. His love of the female form and craftsmanship were ever apparent in his 22 piece collection of lean, well-constructed suits, elegant belted shift dresses and stunning rouched and pleated evening gowns.
Confused.
The subdued presentation of McQueen’s fall 2010 collection — or 15 looks from what likely would have been a larger addition to his already prodigious ouevre — were shown Tuesday in a salon at PPR, the luxury conglomerate owned by Francois Pinault that counts the McQueen label among its holdings.
though I assume it’s something antithetical to pretty and safe).
I liked what I saw from Michael Bastian’s fall 2010 collection. Perhaps one of New York’s best menswear designers has gotten a little bored designing for sensitive, rich frat boys, guys who have a dog-earred copy of On the Road permanently displayed on Crate & Barrel nightstand tables.
Cut to Sunday afternoon back at Milk Studios, where the technically savvy Juan Carlos Obando showed his latest line in an intimate setting. His love of the female form and craftsmanship were ever apparent in his 22 piece collection of lean, well-constructed suits, elegant belted shift dresses and stunning rouched and pleated evening gowns.
