L.A. Fashion Week Spring '04: Gen Art
The sixth installment of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion, held on Oct. 30 at the Historic Gas Co. in Los Angeles, featured a handful of talented designers who presented their unique lines to editors, stylists and a few celebrities, including “American Beauty” actress Mena Suvari.
bull; Oligo Tissew by Oliver Twist designer Kristopher Enuke presented a sophisticated, well-crafted line of knitwear that blurred the line between art and fashion.
bull; Brian Lichtenberg’s low-cut silk tank dress with magenta satin piping looked like a backless kimono, while his electric-blue silk racer-back tank top paired with periwinkle denim trousers had a Ziggy Stardust–era androgynous chic.
bull; Japanese designer Atsuko Nagayasu of Ballroom delivered an artful, modern collection that featured elegant dropped-waist halter dresses with sequined floral patterns, draped halter tops and floral skirts.
bull; Editte Keshishyan’s sculpted silk and rayon jersey collection featured sexy long-sleeved dresses with keyhole details and strapless mini-dresses in tropical colors.
bull; Lemon Twist’s stiff-collared pink oxford shirt worn with a green fish-print T-shirt and brown satin skirt with a ruffled hem were part preppy, part slacker.
bull; Obedient Sons’ modern-looking white cotton tuxedo suit with elbow patches and exposed stitching had an urban street feel.
bull; “Classic urban threads” best describes the look of Ryan Roberts’ menswear collection, which consisted of understated knit tops and high-collared jackets and trousers in canvas fabrications.
bull; Shay Todd Swimwear’s silver-and-white striped bandeau top and silver bottoms drew on the designer’s passion for ’80s flair.
Calleen Cordero, Em’lala, Gabriela Artigas and IRonni Kappos were among the accessories collections featured.
The winner of the “Sass in a Glass” accessories-design promotion, sponsored by Gen Art and the Florida Grapefruit Growers Association, was also announced. Ayay Oda of New York Tokyo was presented with a $5,000 check for her design. —Claudia Figueroa
