L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2010: Louver by Louis Verdad
Classic Louis Verdad. That was the look the designer sent down the runway for his Louver by Louis Verdad collection, shown on Oct. 13 at Downtown L.A. Fashion Week at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Verdad, who has been on hiatus, made his return to the runway with a classic and timely collection.
The designer said he was inspired by first lady Michelle Obama when creating the collection, which is made up of classically chic silhouettes and an all-American nautical flair. He explored the contrasts of black and white by using predominantly black models and a cream palette. “I’m really inspired by Michelle Obama—really, truthfully. I’ve been looking at her. I felt that it’s an amazing time for African-American women. I wanted to relate it to the hope that we all Americans have,” Verdad said.
The collection was also an exploration of his own black and white side. “I know that I can be rough and exuberant, but then I can also be sweet and dramatic but classic and timeless,” he said.
Silhouettes had a vintage flair with styles such as high-waisted pants, ruffled blouses and chic sheath dresses. There were plenty of sportswear, including pants suits, flirty skirts and jumpsuits, as well as dramatic red-carpet gowns. Verdad’s focus on classic elegance was also an effort to keep the collection economically feasible.He worked in a monochromatic palette in fabrics such as lightweight wool gabardine, silk crepe, silk charmeuse and striped silk chiffon and experimented with details such as pleating, lace and corset-like waist treatments. The look was accented with navy and a touch of gold including lame gloves and belts draped with chains. Shoulder treatments, drop-crotch pants and a sexy bodysuit modernized the look.—N. Jayne Seward
