Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring 2002: Michelle Mason
Michelle Mason offered more than just a new collection at her Spring 2002 show on Nov. 3. She offered inspiration for everyone who has been affected by the events of Sept. 11. Her show was a benefit on behalf of Refugees International, an advocacy organization that serves as a voice for refugees, displaced persons and other vulnerable populations around the world.
The designer chose the aged and angelic St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Los Angeles, for the setting in which to showcase her similarly ethereal collection.
There was no denying a strong sense of spirituality throughout the evening. So much so that it even gave you goose bumps. Heavenly models seemed to float along a runway against an enormous backdrop—the cathedral’s aging wall—painted with turquoise paint and gold leaf and a marble candle-lit altar.
Even Mason herself was inspired by the grand setting, saying that much of the color she used in her collection was inspired by the church. As for the clothes?
“My inspiration has been so many things,” the designer said. “It’s not one thing ever. It’s so many different elements. It started out with birds, saints, angels—heavenly creatures. I just really wanted the girls to be ethereal and the clothes to be really timeless. So I really borrowed from a lot of the past, but [the periods are] all kind of mixed together so you can’t really tell what era [a piece] comes from. The goal was to make the pieces as timeless as possible.”
I’d say she accomplished that goal. —Joselle Yokogawa
