L.A. Fashion Week Spring '09: Kucoon
In a play off its name, Kucoon opened its runway show with pasty-white modern dancers who emerged from a fabric cocoon and closed with a Cirque du Soleil–like performer who twisted inside a loop of fabric suspended from the ceiling. It’s fitting that the duo behind Kucoon, Sheila B. and Andrea Spratt, would debut with the theatrical because they started out designing costumes for performers and participants of the Burning Man festival three years ago. They presented their first collection for Spring ’09 during BoxEight fashion week on Oct. 19. “It’s very theatrical and showing your sexy side but still covering up a part of you that needs mystery,” Spratt said.Items in neutral-color knits dominated, such as a black and gray mini-striped dress that was done up with ruffles trailing down the front and a zip-front hoodie with puffy sleeves. Some of the more elaborate ensembles had an edgy rawness to them with a hint of vaudeville. A sheer lace dress was worn over a ruffled can-can skirt, and a brown lace-up corset ended in a flurry of tulle ruffles. Kucoon’s accessories were an eye-catching standout, including waist belt bags, super-long feather earrings, a chubby fur-tail necklace and a scarf that featured fur balls on a chord like a string of beads. —Rhea Cortado
