LA Fashion Week recently wrapped up and there is some undiscovered talent to share. I sifted through the collections and spotted the best pieces from the likes of Maxine Dillon, Kevan Hall, Samora, and even Project Runway alum, Jarrell Scott. Most designs catered to LA's laid-back style, but a few stand-outs, like Oliver Tolentino, proved that the City of Angels can also create some of the most decadent gowns. No doubt, I can picture this royal purple masterpiece on the red carpet.
I want to be friends — no, best friends — with Crispin & Basilio designer Donny Barrios. I want his entire Spring '09 collection! It's effortless, feminine, and incorporates the sheer trend with utter perfection. The color palette is another reason this line has me sprung. It has just enough color (orange, teal) and just enough neutrals to balance it out. Flowy sheer blouses are girlie but they're tempered by voluminous shorts. Cropped jackets provide ease to dressy silk gowns. Long vests balance metallic mini skirts. Next Spring is going to be much happier thanks to this collection. Donny, if you're reading this, call me.
To see the rest of Crispin & Basilio's Spring line, read more
I'm sure it was a raging afterparty because it looks like our Hills heroine put on a successful Lauren Conrad Collection runway show last night. Her Spring lineup was inspired by the beauty of Spring. OK, that's sort of ambiguous — allow me to elaborate. With her usual flirty silhouettes, Lauren upped the fabrics, detailing and prints for Spring. She showed an array of solid jersey dresses, both cocktail and maxi, but there was plenty beside those usual suspects. I quite fancy the artsy floral and beige-and-white chiffon polka-dot prints. One thing about Lauren is she manages to deliver pieces that are both sexy and girlie. Sexy: The white ruched formfitting dress. Girlie: The ladylike separates.
Accessories were also highlighted adding some Spring flair. I've never been a fan of rosettes — worn here as headbands — but I am a fan of geometric bangles. Lauren came out to warm round of applause in the end, the only way from here is up.
To see lots more from the Lauren Conrad Spring collection, read more
Whitley's Kros bohemian babe continues her journey through another LA Fashion Week. This time, striped tunics, easy-wear silk separates, animal prints, and the necessary Spring jumpsuit are falling out of her suitcase. Colors range from ivory to sherbet hues and vivid brights. A couple full-on exotic prints made their way onto loose blouses and skirts. Sheer also made a sexy cameo. The traveling elephant print is adorable and youthful. Layered beaded and gold jewelry adds keen styling and the funky knotted buns atop the models' heads would make Punky Brewster proud. While there are lots of messages in this collection, it is cohesive. This stylish nomad has clearly mastered the art of sophisticated mix matching.
To see more of Whitley Kros's Spring lineup, read more
American Express card members, listen up: your card is making an appearance at LA Fashion Week and granting you major access. Visit AmericanExpress.com to buy packages that offer seats to the Spring '09 designer collections, free makeup consultations with Smashbox Cosmetics, access to insider-only benefits, styling tips from Judith Ripka jewelry, and more. Mind you, Lauren Conrad's show on Oct. 14 is still available . . .
The best part is the credit card company adds proceeds from the event package sales to the $500,000 American Express donation to the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.
Jenny Han knows how to please the ladies. Hard partying, Melrose shopping, brunch eating ladies. Her Fall collection of super femme designs has something for everyone.
Since 2004, Han has been churning out clothes that are “effortlessly elegant” and “indefinably charming," and her Fall collection is just that. With some youthful prints and thigh high mini skirts to add zest.
Silky party dresses, wide legged pants, cuffed shorts and sexy knits were all pleasing to the eye. Her cute outerwear showed skill in tailoring and her mix of prints showed whimsy. Though some things felt out of place, as I said before, there was something for everyone.
To see more from Jenny, read more
Randomly, Little Red Riding Hood made an appearance on the catwalks of LA Fashion Week. Except, the brave little girl came in the form of tall, beanpole models showing off a Fall 2008 trend: hoods. Striped cardigans had hoods at the Whitley Kros show (left); coats at the Alexis Lamontagna collection came hooded (right); and one of Octavio Carlin's silk dresses even incorporated the style. Before hoods signified a laid-back style, now they are a symbol of dressed-up cool. Come Fall, throwing on a frock with a hood means looking slick and covering up a bad hair day!
After a couple ho-hum shows at LA Fashion Week, this show was definitely not boring. Falguni & Shane Peacock sent out print after print of sexily draped dresses which would have been wonderful, if it wasn't for an excessive use of rhinestone and beading adornments. While a lesson in constraint was in order, I was wondering what you thought about this draped one shoulder print dress — don't forget to pay attention to those rhinestones on the bodice. It's sort of like Rami from Project Runway meets Roberto Cavalli. Do you likey?
Let me tell ya, coming to LA Fashion Week, I was not expecting to claim Nicholai by Nicky Hilton as my favorite collection. The naughty equestrian clothes were desirable, but the designer herself was delightful. A supportive big sis Paris showed up backstage and naturally caused a frenzy. Oh, but before approaching Nicky and the photogs, Paris asked to see a mirror to inspect herself in her red Nicholai dress!
When the chaos died down, I chatted with Nicky, who immediately complimented me on my H&M scarf! Despite giving over a dozen interviews, she remained cheerful and sweet. It looks like designing comes pretty naturally to this — ahem — Hilton. As if things couldn't have gotten any better than meeting Nicky and sitting amongst her family during the show, they did. As we were waiting for the valet to bring our car, Nicky drove right past us in boyfriend David Katzenberg's Range Rover, but not before giving us a smile, a wave . . . and a kiss. Aw!
Congrats on another successful collection, Nicky. How do you feel?
I’m excited, I’m relieved, I’m thrilled. Everything went really well and smoothly so I’m very content.
What was your inspiration behind this collection?
The inspiration this season was equestrian, but I wanted to make it a naughty and nice. It was equestrian meets bondage and S&M, hence the latex leggings, patent leather buckles, and the whip. I wanted it to be sophisticated, tasteful, and edgy at the same time.
To read more of my exclusive interview with Nicky Hilton, and to see more photos, read more
