Katy Rodriguez, Gregory Parkinson and Friends Fete Fall
Katy Rodriguez, Gregory Parkinson, Emily Jerome and shoe designer du jour Jerome C. Rousseau toasted the season with a chic cocktail party at Palihouse Holloway.
Katy Rodriguez and Gregory Parkinson
Guests including actress Tracee Ellis Ross, designer Jasmine Shokrian, actor/designer Waris Ahluwalia, Maroon 5’s Mickey Madden and DA’s Barbara Kramer turned out to fete the launch of the designers’ Fall 2010 collections. The designers are all part of the 5 From California showroom which shows each season in Paris.
The presentation was held in an intimate room adjacent to the hotel’s chic patio. Clothing hung from racks set up around the room and guest were able to view the collections up close. “Real people” walked the room wearing various designs in the suitably bohemian ambiance. “I like to use real girls to show the collection,” said Rodriguez who has had everyone from friends, customers and models wear her designs at previous presentations.
Rodriguez said her Fall collection was inspired by listening to bands such as Parliament, Funkadelic and the ’60s intergalactic jazz by Sun Ra. The psychedelic sounds conjured up a colorful vision of the future. “I love the idea of the future as colorful and bright,” explained Rodriguez. The designer said she preferred a more soulful vision of the future rather than the typically robotic hard look so often presented. Colorful prints were created by Vienna-based artist Sarah Galxia. Think the ’60s ala the Beatles' “Sgt. Pepper” or “Dear Prudence” with easy-to-wear pieces such as caftans, lace and wool bodysuits, chiffon jumpsuits and obie-like belts.
Parkinson showed his take on style with his signature deconstructed bohemian chic. For Parkinson the past few seasons have been about streamlining his collection to offer value for his loyal customer base. With a career that has spanned more than fifteen years, Parkinson said working with restrictions was very inspiring. He focused on construction and fit and in so doing has refined his look and reached a larger market.
Key pieces included chic jackets, blouses and skirts that can easily be layered and styled with an individualistic flair. “People are confident about styling [themselves],” he explained. “[They] want things they can wear every day and clothes [that] still feel special.” The British designer is a fabric connoisseur and his flair for textiles was evident. There were a variety of silks, wools, and natural fibers with a multitude of textures and prints. Of the presentation, Parkinson said, “I wanted people to touch and feel the clothing to make it more accessible and democratic.”
A colorful look from Katy Rodriguez's Fall collection.
Vogue's Jessica Kantor and designer Jasmine Shokrian
Emily Jerome in one of her own creations.
Looks from the Jerome Fall collection on display.
A look from Gregory Parkinson's boho-chic Fall collection.
Stylist Alejandro Peraza checks out the goods.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Jerome C. Rousseau
Jerome C. Rousseau's stylish footwear for Fall 2010.
'70s chic in the very best way!!
