L.A. Fashion Week Spring '06: Dina Bar-El
Old Hollywood came to life on the catwalk at the Dina Bar-El show on Oct. 17 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif. Fit for silver-screen sirens, Bar-El’s glamorous designs recalled starlets from Garbo to Monroe.
The Los Angeles–based eveningwear designer stayed true to her roots and showed red carpet–ready gowns in shimmering satin, lace and tulle. Inspired by the “feminine silhouette” and “Old Hollywood glamour,” Bar-El’s designs featured corsets, cowl necks, sweetheart necklines and empire shapes. Details such as mesh insets, lace and tulle overlays, sequined bodices, chiffon ruffles, and crochet overlays played up the collection’s playful color palette of mint, hot pink, dusty blue and champagne.
The designer closed the show with a champagne satin wedding gown with a ruched chiffon bodice and chiffon insets. “It was the last dress to be designed,” Bar-El said.
Actresses Angela Bassett and Tisha Campbell sat in the front row, possibly choosing their next awards-ceremony gown. The designer, who recently underwent hand surgery, was pleased with the collection. “People ask me ’How is your hand?’ and I say, ’What are you talking about? It’s Fashion Week!’” she said. —Erin Barajas
