L.A. Fashion Week Fall '05: Rock & Republic
Los Angeles–based Rock & Republic made punk a luxury fashion statement at its 52-look show for Fall, held March 19 at Sony Studios in Culver City.
Rock & Republic Chief Executive Officer and head designer Michael Ball threw out the safety pins and torn-up jackets that have been punk’s domain and replaced them with cashmere, fur and premium denim.
“Punk needs Park Avenue,” Ball said. “Punk needs Rodeo Drive.”
Any punks who were sneering soon got their comeuppance thanks to Steve Jones, guitarist for original punkers The Sex Pistols, who played his former band’s anthem “Pretty Vacant” as a backdrop to the models parading at the rock concert–style show.
The focus was on denim, and the label introduced skinny jeans styles “Costello” and “Chrissie” and roughed up some of the premium looks with oil stains. Many styles were mixed with thin Rock & Republic T-shirts, which were being tested before the introduction of the complete collection in Spring 2006.
Punk luxury was also evident in the rabbit-fur jackets worn with skinny black ties; a plaid blazer with leather lapels; and, for punk highlanders, kilts.
Rock & Republic’s looks for women included skimpy mini-kilts, thin beater tops and “Wicked” jeans with crystal embellished pockets that screamed luxury. —Andrew Asch
