Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring '05: Frankie B.
Designer Daniella Clarke usually turns an eye toward her closet when creating looks for her Frankie B. line. But for her Spring 2005 collection, revealed Oct. 28 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, she considered clothing that could fill her suitcase for a romantic holiday.
“I’ve been married for 14 years, and whenever spring comes around, I want to plan a romantic getaway,” said the veteran designer, whose clothes have always carried a certain rock ’n’ roll feel—perhaps because her husband is guitarist Gilby Clarke. “I wanted to fill my suitcase up with romantic, pretty clothes.”
To achieve that look, Clarke used flowing fabrics not usually associated with the contemporary curve-hugging line. There was ample use of silk chiffon, silk charmeuse, and beaded and sequined fabrics. Prints, including paisleys and florals, had a 1970s vibe that complemented the bohemian style of the collection.
The label’s signature low-rise denim jeans were still well represented, done this season with different washes and various leg silhouettes, from flared to boot-cut.
Clarke, who introduced swimwear to her line more than two years ago, sprinkled some abbreviated and bright bikinis into her runway show.
Frankie B. Men also made a strong comeback this season with striped shirts worn with stonewashed jeans and striped blazers.
—Deborah Belgum
