L.A. Fashion Week Spring '09: Michel Berandi
Michel Berandi’s avant-garde Goth-tinged collection hit all the right notes of high-end luxury with an editorial edge. At his Oct. 16 show at BoxEight in Los Angeles, models walked the runway with floor-length hair extensions that sometimes dragged behind them like tails, were worn as neckpieces or were incorporated into the clothing. Berandi said the collection was inspired by animals, flowers, insects and science-fiction characters. He incorporated various animal textures into the collection, including goat hair, silk, leather, cashmere and wool with angora.
For women, the collection had a chic “Blade Runner” feel. An avantgarde wool coat had layered pleats that accented the neckline, and an ultra-chic hooded dress came in a slick, sexy fabric. For guys, think “Goth romance meets the future.” A monochromatic gray leather jacket and pant had a futuristic edge. Berandi paired a goat-hair jacket with liquid leggings and trimmed a hooded tee with hair—much like the mane of a horse. “I wanted to bring back fun in fashion,” Berandi said. “It’s been so serious lately.” —N. Jayne Seward
