L.A. Fashion Week Fall '05: Naqada
Octavio Carlin took a sideways approach to his Fall 2005 Naqada collection, seen March 20 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. He took a bit of Imelda Marcos, mixed it up with pixie fairies and added a little Reese Witherspoon a la last year’s film “Vanity Fair” to form a collage of looks that ranged from prim and proper to sexy and flirtatious.
Carlin likes to blend fabrics and tastes. His opening look exemplified his approach with a Shetland wool motorcycle jacket over plain wool tucked-under opera pants.
The designer offered many plunging necklines on cardigans and ruffled knits. A silk “Tinkerbell” dress and pleated “Vanity Fairy” dress stood out as did his Asian-fusion “Imelda” jackets. Printed party dresses, strapless tie-dyed dresses and puffy gowns also drew attention.
In addition, Carlin showed the Naqada men’s line, designed by Donny Barrios. The collection was inspired by the recent film “Motorcycle Diaries,” which detailed the life of revolutionary Che Guevara. Among the pieces featured were double-breasted tuxedo jackets, wool biker jackets and plaid cargo pants. —Robert McAllister
