California Vintage
The mission: to rework vintage pieces culled from local Salvation Army boutiques into one-of-a-kind creations for the runway to help raise money for families in need. Eight Los Angeles designers took up that challenge for the second annual Vintage L.A.—Fashions for the Future show, held April 27 at the Museum of Neon Art in downtown Los Angeles.
Richard Tyler, Eduardo Lucero, Estevan Ramos, Jared Gold, Corey Lynn Calter, Monique Lhuillier, Petro Zillia and Shawn each put their individual stamp on vintage finds during the fashion fund-raiser hosted by the Salvation Army to benefit Alegria, a residential community for homeless and low-income families impacted by AIDS.
Guests took in the neon art before venturing out to the back lawn of the museum (which is located on the campus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) for a tea party and the fashion show. Some found it hard to resist the vintage fashions and jewelry hand-selected by the participating designers and for sale at the on-site boutique. But all eyes were on the stage for the fashion show, which featured Ramos’ menswear and muumuus reworked into sexy, curvy shapes and Gold’s selections silk-screened with the designer’s signature belle epoque designs.
Calter offered a modern take on bohemian chic and Shawn designer Yohanna Logan updated 1980s styles. Lucero and Petro Zillia designer Nony Tochterman both went ethnic, but Lucero’s result was both steamy and sophisticated while Tochterman’s was pure romance. And Lhuillier and Tyler created sophisticated looks from their Salvation Army finds.
The bargain hunters in the crowd scooped up some of these designer originals at nearly thrift store prices. The Salvation Army auctioned off one outfit from each designer’s Vintage L.A. collection. A Tyler ensemble of pleated skirt and jacket went for $100. A Ramos chiffon blouse and pleated skirt went for $350. And a Lhuillier black-satin-and-lace gown with a fur bolero went for $250.
Organizers said they are hoping to host the event again next year and are currently looking for a sponsor.—Alison A. Nieder
