L.A. Fashion Week Spring '06: Kevin Johnn
New York–based designer Kevin Johnn said he felt it was important to show the second season of his line at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif., because the Los Angeles area is an entertainment-driven town. Capitalizing on his own brush with fame as a contestant on the first season of the hit TV reality show, “Project Runway,” Johnn hoped to draw a big crowd for his derby-themed Oct. 17 show.
For his Spring ’06 collection, Johnn reworked classic equestrian looks and offered spectator fashions reminiscent of the 1920s. The designer showed snug riding pants paired with silk and leather jockey jackets, shrunken polo tops, printed tulip skirts, cropped tweed blazers and mod dresses. Dropped waists and slouchy shapes hinted at a bygone era while a knitted silk tape sweater dress acted as a cover-up for a brown one-piece bathing suit.
Johnn also showed a tuxedo jacket paired with matching short shorts, a backless silk jersey dress with leather trim and a belted silk floral dress. The palette, comprised mainly of white, cream and camel, saw a few color accents in the form of a green silk and lace dress and a yellow leather and organza polka dot dress. —Erin Barajas
