L.A. Fashion Week Fall 2002: California Mart
The provocative performances by a dancing troupe dressed in tattered white clothing and the gravity-defying moves by two beefcake contortionists didn’t distract the buyers attending the Los Angeles Fashion Week opening-night festivities on April 12 from seeing the real action at the California Mart’s collective fashion show—the Fall looks from 21 designers.
Sipping creations from the open bar, buyers got a taste of future fashions representing the show’s four themes—deconstructed baroque, covert couture, art culture and archival—which were presented on a stage set with massive gold picture frames in the Cal Mart lobby.
The bevy of looks ranged from glittered-up denim by M-A-G by Magaschoni and Sharagano’s eyelet, lace-up denim jeans to the Missoni-inspired knits by Tamara Catz and Stone Marten’s rock ’n’ roll denim miniskirts detailed with lace-edged kick-pleats. Dip-dyed denim, heavily fringed necklines, contrast piping and leather/knit combinations were a few of the details designers embraced.
Among the highlights: Marrika Nakk’s lace and tulle layered skirts; Mandalay’s peach camisole skirt set paired with a dramatic, embroidered lapel coat; Anne Paul’s laser-cut suede pants; and Single’s revealing crocheted sweater.
Staying warm in fall was also a goal for designers, who played up a host of outerwear including Vakko’s long shearling coats and Max Studio’s sleeveless duster. —Nola Sarkisian-Miller
