L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2011: CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund
Intermittent rain scuttled plans for an outdoor runway, but, still, actresses, stylists and fashion insiders packed into an upstairs room at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood for the Oct. 19 runway show to highlight the finalists for the 2010 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.
Founded in 2004 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue magazine, the award helps identify and nurture “the next generation of American fashion designers,” with funding and mentoring from industry experts.
Past winners include Sophie Theallet (2009); Alexander Wang (2008); Rogan designer Rogan Gregory (2007); Doo-Ri’s Doo-Ri Chung (2006); Trovata’s design team of Jeff Halmos, Josia Lamberto-Egan, Sam Shipley and John Whitledge (2005); and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez (2004).
This year’s finalists include Altuzarra’s Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung,Christian Cota, Gregory Parkinson, Billy Reid, Robert Geller, Loden Dager designers Oliver Helden and Paul Marlow, eyewear designer Moss Lipow, and accessories designers Pamela Love of Pamela Love jewelry and Eddie Borgo.
All 11 designers were on hand for the runway show, which featured a sampling of their collections. The lone West Coast designer, U.K.-born and Los Angeles–based Parkinson, used tie-dyed textiles and other prints in saturated shades to create a series of pretty dresses for the sophisticated city girl.
Menswear ranged from Helden and Marlow’s tailored hipster aesthetic to Geller’s urban cool looks. Alabama-based Reid showed both men’s and women’s pieces, which reflected his sophisticated Southern style. From Cota, the looks were frothy and feminine, while Gurung’s were body-conscious in color-blocked brights. Borgo’s chunky jewelry reflected a modern, punk-rock aesthetic, while Love’s statement pieces drew inspiration from around the globe. Lipow’s mod, oversize shades were perfect for the Hollywood crowd, which included Rachel Zoe, Eva Mendez, Molly Sims, Rose McGowan, Mena Suvari, Nicole Richie, Marisa Tomei, Emily Mortimer and tennis player Maria Sharapova.
Frederic Fekkai and Vogue West Coast Senior Editor Lisa Love hosted the event. And Fekkai’s team was on hand to create the runway hairstyles, while Lottie Stannard, whose makeup team create the looks for Dolce & Gabbana, provided the makeup looks for the show.—Alison A. Nieder
