L.A. Fashion Week Spring '08: Linda Loudermilk
Eco-conscious designer Linda Loudermilk put her own spin on Los Angeles Fashion Week with an Oct. 17 show held at BP’s Helios House, a Los Angeles gas station that strives to lessen its impact on the environment by using recycled building materials and energy- and watersaving initiatives. “The location is hilarious. It’s a green gas station, but it conveys the message that if they can be a little bit more earth-friendly, anybody can. Just do it!” Loudermilk said.
Loudermilk, who is known for using innovative, chic green fabrics, showed immensely wearable, imaginative pieces on the runway. Inspired by the notion that nature can be destructive and unpredictable, Loudermilk sent wind-blown, artfully tattered styles down the catwalk. A classic shirtdress featured a funky off-the-shoulder neckline, and men’s sweaters featured layered, asymmetrical collars. Loudermilk also created a print that registers as a random floral but is, in fact, an image of an overturned rubbish bin streaming colorful bits of trash. “It’s about walking down the street and having wind, like a tornado, mess you up, but you are still sexy and powerful,” the designer said.
Texture, in the form of layers of chiffon, pleats, metal-infused silks, and cottons dipped in shiny, crinkled wax, played a big role in Loudermilk’s Spring 2008 collection. Loudermilk also showed avant-garde pieces, including a black chiffon funnel dress that enveloped the wearer like a twister and a gold dress that became a real-life gilded cage, alongside impeccable tailored suits for men and women. —Erin Barajas
