L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2011: Kelly Nishimoto
Kelly Nishimoto celebrated five years in the fashion biz with a fashion show and party at the W Hollywood. The Los Angeles–based designer said this season marks the fifth anniversary since her first runway show at Smashbox Studios, and she wanted to celebrate.
The event included a cocktail party and presentation of her Holiday collection. Nishimoto said presenting her current collection made sense because she is focusing on online sales and private-label business. “I thought I want to do a show, but I’m not going to create a whole new Spring collection just for a show,” she explained. “So, I thought I’ll just be consumer-driven because that’s my main focus right now anyway. I added a few pieces to my holiday and rolled it out.”
Guests were able to shop for looks from the runway at a one-night pop-up store located in the hotel. Nishimoto also took a different approach to designing her collection this season. Inspiration came from designing pieces that she would want to wear herself. “I’ve been doing some soul searching over the past year and a half, and I thought, ’My customer is me,’” she explained. “I love to shop. I like well-made clothes. I like to be very comfortable. And so do all of my girlfriends.” As a result, the design process became organic.
She worked in her favorite jewel-tone palette and chose fabrics that she was naturally attracted to. There was everything from lace tank tops and leather skirts to shirred velvet dresses, denim suits and breezy jumpsuits. Highlights of the collection included a peek-a-boo lace and leggings, an elegant long blue silk gown, and a long gray dress made from T-shirt fabric.—N. Jayne Seward
