Sheer Drama
Los Angeles Fashion Week had its share of dramatic moments. From the exquisite gowns that ruled the runway at Kevan Hall’s show to the theatrics of Jeremy Scott, the week showcased the diversity of the season. BCBG Max Azria, which received the “Wells Fargo Century Fashion Achievement Award” at the Los Angeles Fashion Awards, presented a collection that played on the Spring trend of transparency.
This season Los Angeles presented the full range of its contrasting character. With nearly a month of runway shows, Angelenos were reminded of the diversity offered on the LeftCoast, with the looks on the runway as varied as the venues in which they were presented during the Oct. 12–30 run. Runway shows were presented by BOXeight at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles and at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. The California Market Center hosted contemporary collections on the runway throughout the Los Angeles Fashion Market, and the Los Angeles Fashion Awards showcased the innovative designer nominees. And, of course, independent shows and events around town offered designers the versatility of creating a personalized presentation. The shows put the spotlight on everything from T-shirts, sweats and denim to contemporary labels, designer ready-to-wear and red-carpet finery.For Spring ’08, the runway reintroduced sportswear with bold colors, graphic prints and dynamic ’80s silhouettes. A colorful new-wave look emerged with a techy cartoon twist reminiscent of Japanese animation. On the softer side of the spectrum, classic romantic looks, sheer fabrics and floral prints were prevalent. Key silhouettes ranged from high-waisted trousers to chic rompers and dresses in every possible variety. Eco-designers took center stage presenting looks ranging from casual bamboo dresses at Ecoganik to Gary Harvey’s couture gowns made of recycled newspapers. And technology made an imprint on the season with high-tech fabrics, metallics, tie-dyes and ombreacute; treatments. Whimsical themes took shape on the runway as some designers, including Jeremy Scott, made fashion from the “unfashionable,” while others—including Suh-Tahn, Juan Carlos Obando and Jasmin Shokrian—took a more serious approach with innovative, architectural designs.Here is a look at the season’s key trends. —N. Jayne Seward
