Fashion Blogs

Monday, October 15^th, style fashion week has officially begun where two designers showcased their ready to wear spring 2013 fashions.  The venue was held at the beautiful historic Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. The former cathedral is currently used to host corporate as well as private events and runway shows. Upon entering the cathedral you are instantly enveloped in its old world charm and elegance. The church has over one hundred thirty year history and has a stunning garden courtyard that is perfect for outdoor events. As guests began to arrive at the venue one special guest in particular made his appearance and drew in a lot of attention, the Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa. The preshow event was held in the garden courtyard of the Vibiana where invited guests got an opportunity to snap photos and socialize over cocktails.

The inside of the Vibiana was converted to a runway with gorgeous surrounding baroque style elegance and columns reminiscent of old European churches.Louis Verdad was the first to present his denim collection for spring/summer 2013.  Designer Louis Verdad, a Mexican-American designer out of Chicago Illinois draws his inspiration from the societal women of Mexico. He is best known for having dressed Madonna in the past and having dressed her for the now infamous Britney Spears kissing scene. He combines his love of vintage glamour with the contemporary classic American woman. There is nothing more American than demin and his fashions reflect the California chic for the upcoming spring/summer 2013 collection. When asked about his beautiful collection and the inspiration behind it he explained that it was about, “Denim, Denim, Denim, the American woman. I wanted to show a side of the denim that could be very stylish when denim is paired with a beautiful shirt or beautiful pants”. In his collection what stood out for me is how many different ways denim is used. It can be used formally, casually, business chic, flirty and classy. You can mix and match different pieces such as a pop out color blouse paired with denim bottom piece or vice versa. His collection reflects the modern woman inspired by a retro 1950’s and 1960’s look.

During intermission there was an amazing electrifying performance by DJ Violinist Jennifer “Spags” Spingnola who got a positive uplifting reaction from the audience. Jennifer has an amazing talent with the electric violin and is best known for her runway event performances. The talented violinist looked spectacular wearing a gorgeous sheer dress from designer Dar Sara’s collection.

The next collection to make its debut is Dar Sara, a Dubai based designer. He designs a variety of evening gowns and wedding gowns. The opening to Dar Sara’s collection was very dramatic and theatrical with a performance from two of the models dressed in armour.  It was purposely done for the theatrics and the music for this show was very dramatic. All that came to my mind  while observing this collection was Lady Gaga’s style combined with old Hollywood glam. The heavy detailing in his pieces are simply amazing and his use of fine fabrics and craftsmanship. Dar Sara draws his inspirations from old Hollywood movies, glamour, theatre and movie stars. Some of his pieces look like costumes and are worn to make a fashion statement and gain attention. I can see Lady Gaga, Madonna and Beyonce wearing these fashions on stage and that is what he was inspired by in this collection is Hollywood theatrical style outfits. One of my personal favorites of the night is the show girl style mini dress with the black elegant peacock style feathers around the neck. It is very reminiscent of the flapper women of the 1920’s and old Hollywood glamour. The heavy use of feathers, chains, organza, chiffons, silks and beading are apparent in his fashions. It is to reflect the over the top style of Hollywood , special effects, the glamour combined with theatrics that make this collection so spectacular. I have to say this the fashions showcased by this designer tonight was absolutely amazing as well as very creatively designed.  The night ended with Dar Sara’s theatrical runway show as the models all gathered on the runway for photos.

Photography by Kai He and Scott Naide

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