Latin Masters
Art is an integral part of the Latino community, but then again, so is fashion, according to Los Angeles-based designer David Cardona, who, along with fellow designers Los Angeles-based Estevan Ramos and New York-based David Rodriguez, presented an evening of contemporary and eclectic fashion at the Latin Elegance: A Gala Evening of Fashion benefit, which took place April 27 at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, Calif.
While many of the museum’s guests anticipated the event’s fashions over wine and hors d’oeuvres in the reception hall, the designers found comfort behind the scenes in the company of displayed works by artists Jose Garcia Cordero, Fernando Botero and Pablo Cardoso.
The art-meets-fashion event was attended by some 280 museum patrons and luminaries and it raised about $20,000, which will go toward the museum’s plan to renovate and expand its facilities, say organizers.
KABC-TV anchorwoman Jovana Lara, decked out in her Laundry by Shelli Segal black satin gown and rhinestone choker, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.
The show kicked off with Rodriguez’s 21-piece eveningwear collection, which combined whimsical, aristocratic looks with contemporary details, including a pin-striped English tweed vest with built-in cape paired with a button-up pin-striped skirt and a brocade tapestry dress with matching stole lined with mahogany mink. Other contemporary stylings included the designer’s silk bodice top with lace dressing and rose-print velvet dress with chiffon ruffle. The collection—which was viewed for the first time at New York’s Seventh on 6th fashion show last February—marked the designer’s West Coast debut.
However, excitement over Ramos’ selections was palpable—he continuously dazzled an awestruck audience with his 17-piece Holiday 2002 collection, which was largely made up of reworked vintage dresses and skirts. The fun-loving designer’s accessory choices—such as a bow tie worn with tuxedo shirt and jacket or a tank top worn with cabana-style ruffled armbands—were masculine, yet chic. The designer’s gray wool knickers and hot pink tailored jacket were fun and fashion-friendly, while his delicate satin lace-up bodice and form-fitting skirts were opulent, yet modest.
The event marked the second “Latin Elegance” showing for Cardona, who presented looks from his Fall 2002 designer collection, which was made with a color palette of black, charcoal, navy blue and chocolate brown. His couture collection featured beaded blouses with Mandarin collars, a mid-length asymmetrical V-neck suede dress, and embroidered organza collarlessblouse with leather placket and cuffs paired with low-rise pleated silk pants. —Claudia Figueroa
