L.A. Fashion Week Fall '07: Imitation of Christ
Never one to shy away from theatrics, Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff sprinkled the runway with human bones and sent her models down the runway in a Gothic trance for her Los Angeles Fashion Week show. Models nonchalantly keyed their Samsung Blackjack cell phones, while the 1980s tune “Bela Lugosi Is Dead” played in the background.
“I work best with cinematic themes and stories,” said Subkoff, an actor and former dancer. The show, which debuted on March 19 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, was Subkoff’s fourth showing in Los Angeles. The designer said she decided to show again in Los Angeles because she really wants to support Los Angeles Fashion Week. “The first show I did was out here. I’m thrilled to show out here again,” she said.
This collection was a very heartfelt one for Subkoff, who was inspired by her childhood ballerina days and her teen years in the Goth scene in Norwalk, Conn. Subkoff created a more sophisticated, modern version of her childhood look. Hooded cloaks were reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, and chic dresses were designed with a Gothic ballerina in mind. Subkoff utilized cottons for oversized shirts with cut-out shoulders and delicate lace on flirty party frocks. Intricately beaded silk chiffons were used for sexy, one-of-a-kind gowns with slashed hems and low-slung necklines. She layered the dresses over beater tanks and added graphic dagger prints to tops and dresses to add a modern touch. —N. Jayne Seward
