L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2011: Mike Vensel
Mike Vensel was inspired by the heart of primitive Africa to create his Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The lined debuted on the runway on the opening night of Concept Fashion Week in downtown Los Angeles. Themed “Crown Cheetah,” the collection explored the shapes found in the African countryside. Vensel deconstructed the features of the cheetah’s face and the high-contrast striping of the zebra to create the design lines of his minimalistic collection.
He explored functionality and the ease of construction by utilizing clean, strong lines and sensual fabrics. Silhouettes ranged from strapless mini-dresses to long gowns in organic cotton, crinkle silk chiffon and bamboo rayon blends. Leather vests added a safari edge to the look. Highlights included a belted crew-neck mini-dress, a long blue asymmetric chiffon gown and a chevron striped monokini.—N. Jayne Seward
