L.A. Fashion Week Fall '05: Juan Carlos Obando
The follow-up collection to Juan Carlos Obando’s runway debut was what one expected: sexy and strong with clean lines and an understanding of couture construction and impeccable tailoring. The designer showed his collection March 18 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.
Obando, a former art director, said his Fall/Winter 2005 “Hunters vs. Fairies” collection was inspired by an early 20th century classic painting depicting people dressed for a hunt. “It’s the battle between beauty and power. I wanted it to be a very defiant type of look—very simple, yet strong,” he said.
“It’s for the stylish woman,” Obando said of the focused collection. “She knows what she wants.
There’s no big drama to it.”There were belted jackets paired with pencil skirts, skintight pants worn with cardigan sweaters, and Gucci-inspired bustiers and dresses with intricate seaming. The collection included a combination of daywear and eveningwear, using fabrics such as silk charmeuse, leather, brushed cotton, Ultrasuede and high-tech acetate. —N. Jayne Seward
