Good news – here’s some fun pix to share with you. The first
one is Eric, my myspace friend. That was so fun to see him walk down the
runway. Go Eric. Go Eric. Whoops, the pix are popping out below. Keep reading and you'll come to 'em.
Also, here’s some images from the 2BeFree show too. I’ve
asked for some others because I saw brighter colors and more interesting shapes
at the show that aren’t reflected here. Plus, these look like retail shots, not fashion show shots and are a little boring. Sorry, but that's the truth. Give me some Paris Hilton or whoever else was fun ok? Really now.
Let’s see where to begin. How about if I share my Fashion
Show experiences from Sunday first and depending how tired I am, since I’m bushed,
I will go into OMMA. I promise. It really is good stuff and those of you
interested in marketing anything need to know this.
Okay, moving right along. I went to my little Redeemer
Presbyterian church on Sunday with my friend Debra who abruptly left me because
she had an issue with the sound system affecting her hearing due to hearing
trouble. No, we’re not rocking out there, but the sound was a little off and I
could see why it would bother her.
I didn’t think anything of it until I realized I’d driven
over with her and had left the invites to the shows in her car! Cindy, the
pastor’s wife, was gracious though and offered to take me home. Thinking it
would be late, I decided to leave at the break rather than wait till the end
because I wanted to make sure to be on time to the first showroom.
Unfortunately that didn’t happen. I had accidentally locked
myself out of the house and had to wait over an hour for my parent’s church to
end so mom could bring me the spare and let me in. I was bummed because it was
cold and I should have just stayed at my church, but whatever. Debra was nice and left
my invites in the mailbox.
Barely had time to eat and change before dashing off to the
first of three shows that afternoon. I hadn’t really thought I’d be going to
many, or any actually, because I had the two-day conference and was moving etc.
etc., but it’s worked out that I’ve seen some real interesting ones.
I’m bummed I missed one tonight, but I think I was just so
burnt out that’s why I accidentally left my badge at home and had to turn back.
I have a lot of energy, but needed one day just to focus on myself. I have a
lot of prepping to do for my Promote Yourself and Make More Money! class I'm teaching next week at the South Bay Adult School and needed to take care of that as
a priority today.
So, back to fashion. Those of you in the area should check
out Madewell Los Angeles store and tell me what you think. That’s the one I
missed which I was bummed about because it was a brunch and private fall
preview. Hopefully they’ll invite me again next time though. Apparently this store is the sister store to J. Crew and will be less expensive - cool, eh?
Aren’t the colors cool in these underwear? I think the style of
underwear is very flattering (at least everything looked good on these guys.
Now do you see why I was happy? It’s been too long God… Where is my knight in shining underwear?) Now do you see what I mean about a ripped body? OOH BABY!
My stylist friend, Nicole, who I’m always talking about was
styling the Juan Carlos Obando show which I really wanted to see because it was
so exclusive. Because I write about the shows in addition to bringing clients,
I was able to attend.
I was glad because it was a very sophisticated and intimate
affair. The clothing was very stream-lined, elegant and modern with striking
black and white contrasts. I’ve never seen these shoes before, but there were
quite a few spectator pumps with lace-ups- very cute. I also loved the slit
tops that revealed, but didn’t hit you over the head with the sensuality
hinting at the wonders beneath at each move.
I’m not sure how many good shots the photogs got because
every time I went to shoot an image the dolly pulled camera that was filming
the event on a circular track would block the model. It would be different if
the models stayed a little longer to allow for still photography, but they didn’t.
I’ll be curious to see what images come out of that show.
The video on it is fantastic though when watched in the lobby and you really got the feeling
you were in a photo shoot since the room was set up in the round, there were
only 50 or so of us, the music was haunting (Enya and Sarah McLaughlin I
believe) and really set a mood. Overall, very enjoyable. I did take some pix
from that one and will upload them as soon as I buy new batteries. Sorry, I
forgot today. Too much else on my mind.
I also liked the simple lines of each piece. It kind of
reminded me of Halston, but the fabric looked like cream wool which hangs
differently than I would think his styles would. Gloves seem to be big for fall
Ladies – all the way up to the elbows. I also loved the small capelets, very
simple, but very elegant. You’ll see what I mean hopefully when I upload some
shots.
So that show was very small, very controlled, very smooth
and very sophisticated. Then I moved over to the Main Tent to catch Sue Wong. I
had missed her show last season which I heard was absolutely amazing so I knew
I couldn’t miss it this one too. I’m so glad I got to see her line.
It was so much fun! Her theme was Mod and all her music
reflected the theme. Sue Wong did the art direction, the design, chose the
music, and did the styling which I found very interesting. Very hands on. She’s
Asian and apparently is very popular over there too.
I had decided to attend last minute so my seat wasn’t the
greatest, but I was just glad to be inside because I thought it was a great
show. Granted, since I wasn’t on the front row I didn’t see the fabrics used up
close, but the designs from afar were quite stunning.
She broke up the show into eleven different sections all
unique and different styles, music and theme
which I just loved. My other stylist friend thought it was
all over the place, but I’m beginning to think he doesn’t have imagination and
couldn’t see the big picture because to me it was very cohesive under the umbrella
of 60’s styling. However, the Asia, Exotica and Brides section did seem a little out of place now that I think about it. Oh well, maybe she was getting bored with the 60's and wanted to please herself.
The show opened with Go Go dancers wearing little shorts and
tops with go go boots dancing up and down the runway which I filmed and will upload on my myspace page (when I
get batteries – are you saying that with me now?) That was a fun touch. The Main
Tent is huge and you really feel like you’re in a live theatre performance
space when the shows begin.
Let me set the scene. At one end is the door the models will
walk through with the name of the designer prominently displayed spotlighted.
At the other end is a bank of photographers who have fought to get the best
space possible because they’re either work for hire, working for the main
sites, or hoping to sell what they shoot afterwards. I would say maybe 50
people are crammed into a space about 10 x 12 maybe? I don’t know exactly, but
everyone’s right on top of each other.
Then along the sides of the long runway, maybe the length of
a football field, you have have about 5 rows of white fold-up chairs on
bleachers. Celebrities, stylists, journalists, and others usually sit in the
front row and your importance diminishes as you move farther up. It’s very cool
to sit in the front because then you actually become part of the scenery and
drama of the night. Plus, you can see the clothing details up close and personal
which really helps.
However, from where I was sitting I had a bird’s eye view of
everything going on. Music plays a big part in setting the tone and stage for a
fashion show and this one had great 60’s music all throughout. I love music and
after awhile started noting which songs went to which section because that will
help you visualize the look and feel of that design I think.
After the Go Go dance performance the first group to come
out was entitled Mod Squad. Very cute, short mini shift dresses (if memory
holds true – it always helps when I can see the visuals) with all kinds of
beading, hot colors, and cut out straps.
Then Chelsea Girls models came out. I loved the long
mod-printed maxi dress with black felt adorned yoke trimmed with chunky novelty
stones and also the platinum short trapeze dress with silver metallic yoke
trimmed with chunky stones. (Can you tell I'm copying the press release? HA!)
Just when I thought I’d seen it all, the next section,
entitled Carnaby, really made me happy. Sue chooses the best hats to offset her
designs and they really are striking when put with her clothes. I think she had the
most variety in models too because this was a huge show! Each section must have
had eight different looks per section which to me is amazing to have designed
that many pieces.
Producing this elaborate a fashion show and pulling it off
flawless is a real feat which Sue and her staff did magnificently. It’s obvious
this is a line that does well despite the grumblings of my male stylist friend.
He kept comparing it to the Spring line which he thought was mind-blowing in
presentation and style, but hey, this was my first show and it blew me away!
Carnaby had lots of geometric prints with short swingy maxi
dresses that I would wear in a heartbeat (if they were my size!:)
Liverpool, the next section, was much more elegant and
featured chemise dresses with beautiful trims that made them unique and
special. Hopefully you’ll be able to tell when you see my pix and hopefully I’ll
receive some from the designer as well. They’re always the best ones anyway.
You can always go to the official Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week site and catch
all the pictures from the shows too to see what I’m talking about.
Piccadilly featured lots of beading bodices and patterns
which I really liked. Imagine short, black evening dresses that swing and sparkle
in the light and that’s what this section offered.
Vamps and Vixens was set to the Rolling Stones I can’t get
no satisfaction and had more of a rock-n-roll vibe. I didn’t like this set as
well because the fabric was gathered and tucked all over which would make
anyone other than a beautifully thin model look huge! However, it too had it’s
place and I did find one at the end that I liked.
Exotica seemed to be done to music from Arabian Nights if
that helps you visualize the styles – lots of flowing dresses with beautiful
paisley patterns with long split-fronts and beaded or jeweled midriffs. Perfect
for the woman who prefers to dress very feminine and subtle, although with a
little flash. There were some amazing necklaces and headpieces worn in this
set. Very Arabic and exotic as the name implied. Perfect for someone who wants
to be mysterious and alluring.
Asiadid seem a little out
of place, but hey, Sue is Asian, so why not? This one was set to Chinese music
with a singer singing you took my love away if you can imagine that in your
head. Very funny. There were some amazing embroidered coats with beautiful
detailing and flare – lots of big sleeves and silk. I absolutely loved this
set. Very striking, dramatic and stunning. The models really worked the outfits
too throwing their arms wide to display the winged sleeves with all the embrodiery and that dramatic flair really made the clothing come to life.
Then as abruptly as Asia was dropped in, just as quickly did
we go back to England with Kensington! As Peggy Lee crooned You don’t Have To Say You Love Me models strutted the runway wearing plum/gold halter lace gowns with pleated
skirt and a beaded seutache border worn with a matching shawl. I put two big
stars next to this section because I loved it so much. These dresses were more
evening wear, revealing, and sexy if memory holds true.
Victoria opened to mod music and set the stage for really beautiful dresses with lots of
detailing in fabric and styling with very cute cropped embroidered, fur
trimmed, trapeze jackets. I think that’s one style to keep your eye out for because
that seemed to be repeated at a couple shows. I know it sounds silly to keep saying,
but I loved this section too.
All the dresses were so special with tulling,
crochet, beading, krinkled organza, and once again, amazing hats with feathers from Mother Plucker Feather Company Inc (How's that for a name?) that really made pieces pop.
My absolute favorite though was the Brides section. Yes,
still wanting to be married and you can never dream too much about what you’ll
wear. This opened to the sound of When A Man loves a Woman which was perfect.
There were only three dresses, but they were absolutely lovely. I especially
loved the first one which is described as vintage beige lace halter long gown
& jacket with seutache embroidery and beaded accents.
My mom made my youngest sister’s wedding dress (that's why I know how to sew) and I know
how long beading takes to do by hand. Seeing these dresses felt like looking at
works of art and the models matched with interesting hanging flower arrangements
from their stacked hairstyles.
That’s one thing that can really make or break a look of a show
in my opinion. If the model’s hair doesn’t fit in with the design all you’re
looking at is the awful style which is why I won’t go into critiquing the next
show. Amongst other reasons. They have creativity, but it's just not my style. Enough said.
However, I will say that long, straight, simple hair was the
norm for the Juan Carlos Obando show which fit perfectly with the look he was
going for. Plus, he chose really stunning models who were very beautiful. The
whole show had a very Calvinesque feel to it in my mind even though I haven’t
watched a Calvin Klein show in quite a while.
Just pure, simple, clean and elegant. Very different than other CA
designers which may be why he chose to keep his collection more private. I
would love to know how much his styles go for on the open market because I’m sure
they aint cheap people. The only thing that I would change is the way the
jackets hung – sometimes the hems seemed to not be pressed properly or
something. Otherwise, very nice.
So that’s the rundown for the shows from Sunday. I just love
the drama and excitement of never knowing what you’re going to see next come
down the runway. Now I have a better feel for how each designer thinks and
designs it will be easier to direct clients in the right direction. I know
Nicole is going to suggest some Sue Wong dresses to some of her clients who
love that type of clothing. I wish Nicole would dress me!:)
I’ll give you a heads up on the OMMA conference perhaps tomorrow.
Still have a lot to do and have three shows to hit tomorrow night. Can’t wait.
Lots of parties, lots of variety, and lots of amazing fashion ahead! I’m lovin’
it. Like the McDonald’s commercial says.
Just watched 
