Young Designers Hit LA

Last week I was invited to attend a Nouveau PR and Trent PR press day in Los Angeles featuring the Fall/Winter collections from 11 young and fascinating designers.  Corinna Springer of New York and Jessica Trent of LA hosted the event in a lovely house in the hills of LA above the infamous Chateau Marmont.  The view was stunning, but the clothes were able to distract the attention away.

The always captivating Jessica Trent

The always meditative Corrina Springer

The Edith Palm collection was beautiful.  An LA based designer, Sarah Aaronson creates all items in the line custom to ensure proper fit and showcasing the clients' best assets.

The new collection, titled Le Peignoir Egypt, was inspired (obviously) by Egypt, and so I have read,  'sleep walking through Egypt during the discovery of King Tut's tomb'.  Gauzy and translucent, each piece tells a bit of the story.  The story is intriguing and captivating, and I am more than impressed that she is bringing fashion back to the idea of choosing pieces for the individual and enjoying the process of buying custom made clothes.

silk velvet jacket is divine

this chiffon dress with under-pinning is a must have

worn with or without the belt or choker, the draping on this is spectacular

In stark contrast, I was also able to see the fall/winter collection of Odilon, by Stacey Clark.

Named one of the '12 new designers to watch around the globe' by Women's Wear Daily, Ms. Clark has a fun and quirky collection.  I loved all of her colors and prints, very unexpected for fall.  The striped shirtdress that Jessica is wearing from above comes in black and white, lavender and white, and blue and black.  I ordered two.  They are good.  And flattering on everyone - made from silk, they hang on the body in a way that simply works on any figure.  Call and order yours now!  You will not be sorry. Plus the price point is easy on the wallet (around $150).

friend, Amber Hackett and model of the day, modeling lavender dress

A.F. Vanderhorst is a Belgian line that is striking and memorable.  Designed by team An Vanderhorst and   Filip Arickx, this lingerie-like collection is somehow very appropriate for LA.  And if you like Ann Demeulemeester, you will love this collection.

I am obsessed (yes, with something else) with the emerald green satin dress.  Shown on the runway with pants, scarf around the neck and a black fedora over the face, I think I'll wear mine Screen Siren style, aka no pants or accoutrement, for a fall red carpet event.  And, again, the price point is so good, there is no explaining to husbands or significant others about a receipt.  I look forward to seeing more from this label; the line is most unexpected and fresh while all the while remaining avant garde and cool.

The finale was the Mandy Coon collection.  Ms. Coon was present, and meeting the designer always makes seeing the line all the sweeter.  She reminds me of Tilda Swinton, tall and thin and ethereal.  And very talented.

Thinking back to the Armani Prive couture collection seen in Paris January 2012, which was all about transformation and metamorphosis, she actually succeeded in moving cocoon-like clothes into butterflies, or at least moths.  She mentioned that her prints were Alexander McQueen inspired, along with her obvious love of nature, and I thought they were a nice nod to the designer.  As the survivor of parental suicide, I think I may always be drawn to that macabre transition between death into life.  I liked what she did.  Smart designer, and I can't wait to see Spring/Summer 2013.

beautiful shift

a separate peplum belt changes this shift into a more dramatic piece

the sleeves on this are amazing, sold

from Spring/Summer 20012, gorgeous