Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall '06: Society for Rational Dress
Designer Corinne Grassini opted out of the traditional fashion week runway show, choosing instead to debut her Society for Rational Dress Fall/Winter 2006 collection at her new studio in the artist district of downtown Los Angeles. The minimalist-meets-industrial space reflected Grassini’s aesthetic, which extends to her classic pieces with an edge.
“I was listening to a lot of French music when I designed this collection, and I wanted it to convey that vibe: sultry, dusty, dirty—but classic,” the young designer said.
Known for her cool clothes with hard details and soft fabrics, Grassini offered a fresh take on the season’s key pieces. As ever, knots, leather straps and belts added a touch of industrial edge to Grassini’s clothes for the worldly girl.
A washed silk skirt knotted at the knee created a modified bubble. A cropped bolero in boiled wool featured fitted sleeves with a flare at the wrist. The designer also played with volume, offering a hooded cape in boiled wool that holds its shape but is soft enough to snuggle in. Billowing gowns in washed silk featured drawstrings at the neck and hem to rein in the shape. A jersey cape with a crinkled leather collar paired with black cigarette pants created a modern silhouette.
Cool and aloof, Grassini’s designs also showed her softer side. Nubby gray cotton leggings and easy-breezy caftans seemed to be made for lazy afternoons. A cotton hoodie dress was perfect with the designer’s slouchy leather boots. “It’s all about versatility,” she said. —Erin Barajas
