L.A. Fashion Week Fall '04: John Sakalis
John Sakalis took a trip on the Orient Express for his “Mao & Then” Fall collection, which he previewed on April 1 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.
Sakalis presented Asian influences with mandarin coats and Chinese silks bearing classic floral embroidery, but the styles were anything but traditional. Looks were short and sexy and boasted sleek styling for a sophisticated edge.
Sakalis featured side slits on his silk “Chinoiserie” dresses. He offered revealing cuts on his ultra-short dresses, which also came in embroidered Chinese silk and ruby-red, plum and jade hues. The designer created sculpted looks for several gowns and sequined dresses. For the cold days of fall, he incorporated silks into Mongol jackets trimmed with mink and fox fur.
The designer’s casual looks included a stretch denim biker jacket detailed with asymmetrical zippers and jumpers. He also featured a few swinger skirts coupled with coats and geometrically cut tops. —R.M.
