Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall I 2003: Jenni Kayne
If you’re going to make an entrance, make it big. Twenty-year-old fashion newcomer Jenni Kayne did just that when she debuted her first line on April 4 at the Downtown Standard Hotel to an audience that included musicians Donovan Leitch, Billy Morrison and Scott Ford, as well as actor James Woods.
Kayne said she was inspired by Sharon Stone’s character in the film “Casino” and wanted to create a collection “based on the dichotomy between trashiness and elegance.” The former assistant designer and assistant buyer for Jennifer Nicholson bowed a collection that blended sultry rock-star style with edgy sophistication.
The musicians in attendance were loudly appreciative of the black sweater mini dress, the low-back satin pants and the cream lace miniskirt topped with a hooded sweater. But for the fashion faithful, Kayne showed suits that were both strong and sweet—with crisp tailoring softened with Juliet sleeves, a strapless mini dress with strapping at the hip in copper and black satin, low-slung sailor pants, and a series of coats with exaggerated collars and wide belts. —Alison A. Nieder
