L.A. Fashion Week Spring '06: Kushcush
For her first solo show, on Oct. 22 at the Cabana Club in Los Angeles, local swimwear designer Kerry Cushman was feeling a little mod and just a tiny bit bad. “The inspiration for this collection was a 1960s Malibu Barbie meets a young Stepford Wife in training,” Cushman said.“Perfect and polished with a slight sinister side.”
The Kushcush collection featured plenty of retro elements, such as a cropped white mock turtleneck paired with a high-waisted swim short, and tiny pink ruffles on otherwise modern shapes. And although raciness was kept to a minimum (no bare chests or bottoms here), there was some sass in evidence.
Bandeau tops offered a peep of skin here and there, and adjustable bikini bottoms could be worn low and tight.
Wide waistbands and billowy palazzo pants added an air of South Beach glamour. Adding a kitschy, flower-child feel were embroidered patches on tassels and blouson tops.
“The black-and-white, ’60s-inspired retro print [used in both bikinis and palazzo pants] has a great feel,’’ said Cushman.
But the collection was not all throwbacks. Bra-top bikinis and one-piece suits in white with blue or pink felt thoroughly modern. —Erin Barajas
