L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2011: Project Ethos
Project Ethos brought its indie design/art/music showcase back to the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood on Oct. 22, when 12 designers, seven visual artists, two bands and 10 DJs entertained a crowd of more than 2,200, including buyers, showroom owners, stylists, designers and fashion followers.
Among the retailers and showrooms in attendance were representatives from Kitson, KLA Showroom, Chantal Accessories and Diane Merrick.
Nick Verreos, co-designer of the Nikolaki label and former contestant of “Project Runway,” served as host of the event, kicking things off with his of-so-fierce runway walk.
The show was hosted by Carlton Hair salons and Kymaro, which also kicked off the runway shows with a stylish demonstration of the labels’ versatile Cardi Wrap.The runway show featured beaded and embroidered swimwear and coverups by B. Vika and sexy-slouchy jersey knits by Lamixx.
Hard Couture mixed lace and jersey for an edgy, flirty look. Summer Titone paired an engineer-print dress in an Art Nouveau print with jewelry by Janaration, and Melissa Velia used a bold graphic print for a one-shoulder maxi-dress and a strapless mini. Highlights included Annie & Jade by Annie Le’s silk romper and Doctrine’s skull-print men’s T-shirt and skinny cargo pants for women. Gordana Gehhausen, another “Project Runway” alum, included her cobweb-thin hand-knit dresses in the presentation for her Gogo line.
Designer Marialia Pacitto showed a line of candy-colored dresses and separates from her Marialia collection, including a hot-pink puff of a dress in tulle.
San Diego–based Britboy set the stage with its Union Jack backdrop and cheeky punk-rock style. For women, the looks were sexy and curve-hugging, some with unusual cutouts. For men, the look was classic streetwear with a mod sensibility. Jacqueline Berry went for glam and shine with her Jaqwear collection. Among the best was a silver sequined mini-dress and a strapless satin dress with a scarf detail at the neck.
The show also featured performances by Voxhaul Broadcast and XOXO and accessories vendors, includingChastina, Jole Sueya, Monica Rose Jewelry, showing their lines in the club’s foyer.—Alison A. Nieder
