L.A. Fashion Week Spring '06: Rock & Republic
It was more sex and less rock ’n’ roll at the Rock & Republic show at Sony Studios in Culver City, Calif., on Oct.19. Known for his high-octane fashion-rock extravaganzas, Los Angeles–based designer Michael Ball opted instead for a live orchestra as scantily clad models navigated a suspended catwalk. “We wanted to show we can be more mellow and take a different direction,” Ball said. “We’re not just denim; we have the ability to create something that’s beautiful.”
A series of draped and wrapped jersey Grecian gowns opened the show, which quickly lost its classical air as the silhouettes got shorter and the cuts more daring. Reconstructed T-shirts were fashioned into strapless minis with a leather band.
Denim, Rock & Republic’s bread and butter, was clean and virtually free of embellishment. Corsets and other items were made from the new XFit Lycra fabric. A black tailored blouse paired with black fitted pants walked the line between Johnny Cash and femme fatale. Cropped and body-conscious motorcycle jackets were shown in white and dark denim.
Along with the softer side of denim, the designer also sent his new line of shoes and handbags down the runway. —Erin Barajas
