Angel of Fashion Descends Upon Cooper Building
Los Angeles’ popular “Community of Angels” public art exhibit has finally reached the Fashion District, as the Cooper Building at Ninth and Los Angeles streets has agreed to sponsor one of about 200 decorated angels that will decorate city streets this year.
The “Angels” project, now in its second year, was initially launched by the Volunteers of America to support youth programs and to support community unity through the eyes of local artists and the encouragement of local businesses, organizations and individuals. The angels are 8-foot-tall fiberglass figures, which artists have been using to express their abilities and community spirit while utilizing everything from paints to mosaic tiles and other mediums.
For its project, the Cooper Building is sponsoring the work of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) grad Jerry Locaylocay, who last week unveiled his creation, a spectacle of brocade lace, buttons and patchwork fabrics all emanating from a central heart design made of ruby red rhinestones.
Named “Pas/hion” after the designer’s love of fashion, the angel was completed after four days of nonstop work by Locaylocay, who graduated from FIDM in March. The designer’s urban-influenced sportswear earned the attention of Cooper Building owner Steve Hirsch, who wanted to bring the works of the fashion community into a public spectrum with the “Angels” project.
“It’s a very exciting exchange. We’ve gotten very positive impressions as a result,” Hirsch said.
The designer said he was satisfied with his creation. “I think it brings the real essence of hard work and passion to the public view. I think it shows some raw and organic elements along with determination,” he said.
After several weeks of public display, the angel will be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting local charities. —Robert McAllister
