July 2009 - LAFashionsnob.com

7Lightningbolt Fashion Show

Jul 19 2009

Elevate Lounge, located on the penthouse floor in downtown LA was the setting for Heidi Luerra’s RAW event, featuring a fashion show by 7Lightningbolt. RAW is a collaborative event that brings together designers, artists, musicians, photographers, make-up and hair, etc from all over Southern California. All RAW events are located in some of the hottest venues in LA, Long Beach and Fullerton. The creative mind behind RAW and of Project Ethos fame is Heidi Luerra. She told me that it took only about a week to produce the event. But that’s after having seven years experience in Hollywood under her belt and having numerous artist contacts. As a fellow designer (and FIDM grad) Heidi saw fellow artists not get anywhere because they didn’t have the financial resources; but she wanted to change that. Thus, RAW was born, giving artists the opportunity to showcase their work for free. She does ask that they promote the hell out of it (the event). For for information or to get featured in a RAW event, go to www.HeidiLuerra.com or www.rawartists.org.
Before the show, I surveyed artwork by Daniel Acuna and Felicia of Jazmin as well as a photography slideshow by Michael Yates (www.michaelyatesphotography.com).
After a few words by VJ Michael Benz, who was wearing a new hoodie from his line, Blive Couture and a new glove boasting MJ’s face- a tribute to the legendary singer’s passing; the show started.
The crowd went wild as 7Lightningbolt’s collection went down the the runway. There was a mix of mens tees, jackets and vests that were deconstructed and womens jackets, screen printed tees and reworked suits. The theme from the models hair/make-up was a menagerie of pirate meets punk meets 40’s pin-up. Everything in that collection, dubbed “The Environmental Renegades” by one of the designers, JD Nielson; was made from recycled clothing/fabric. The price points range from $60 for tees to $275 depending on the piece and work. For more info, 7Lightningbolt is on myspace and their official website is www.7lightningbolt.com.
The last acts of the evening was a dance act by Sarah and Taryn, which featured a combination of choreographed dance and contortion moves; and music performance by Legs on Sale.

Special Thanks: The Designers of 7Lightningbolt: JD, Joe and Kenny; J’s Luxury Taxi Service, Heidi Luerra, Michael Yates, Parris Harris, DJ Robb-Rockwell, Felix Salzman of LookbookLA.

Note: RAW and Heidi Luerra believe in being green, so they have collaborated with solar2web.com to make the site totally eco-friendly. For more info, contact either Heidi or solar2web.com.

Jovy Janolo Presents: Fabowlous Mixer/Show and Charity Bowling Event

Jul 14 2009

When it comes to mixers, you’d usually think of a small gathering in a bar or restaurant. Well, producer Jovy Janolo decided to trash the “stereotypical” mixer and opted for a more lively event that included bowling (for charity) and a fashion show that featured three designers; MidnightMare, DiviNatioN by Naira and Astarte; and was hosted by actress, Calpernia Addams. She also performed her hit single, “Stunning,” while getting the audience pumped up for the fashion spectacular.
Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood was chosen to be the venue for the festivities. The runway was the walkway in between the lanes, which were illuminated with neon lights to liven up the event. The first designer showing was MidnightMare Apparel. They were showcasing their signature hand drawn tees and tunics. I saw some new pieces going down the runway: the introduction of their mens line, tees, thermals and jackets that were hand drawn by MM designer, Phong Hong. Phong draws his inspiration through what he observes from the shadows at night. The drawings depict fierce animals with weapons, such as a scorpion, raging bull, hawk with wings of blades, etc. The price points for the men’s apparel range from $49-69 for thermals, $69-109 for Organic button-downs, $29-59 for Organic cotton tees. They custom make blazers and black pants with plaid detail upon request. For the womens line, designed by Donna and Judy Hong, consisted of their signature tees and tunics with hand drawn feminine silhouettes of women that are disguised as animals. For the runway, they were paired with the ruffled skirts and hot black liquid leggings with gold zippers running down the back. They debuted their new dress collection that evening. Showing off two strapless dresses that are fitted at the top and have ruffled skirts. The dresses range from $68-128 and the leggings are $58. For ordering and more info, check out www.midnightmare.com.
The next line to go down the runway was DiviNatioN by Naira McMullen. There were squeals from the audience (myself included) due to the male shirtless models that posed at various points on the runway. The models then came out, flirting and posing with the men. Each garment was unique, handcrafted by Naira herself. Ms. McMullen is a fellow graduate of FIDM and an emerging designer based here in LA. Since she’s still starting out, she jumped at the chance to participate in Jovy’s show, as well as be involved with charity, in this case, SpcaLA. Her website is: http://www.divi-n-ation.blogspot.com. She can also be reached at nstudio72@gmail.com.
The last line of the evening was Astarte, which featured fun, versatile clothing for the plus-size woman who’s not afraid to make an entrance. The runway show featured the models strutting down the runway and flirtingly posing with the male models. One model worked it while changing a suit for work into a sparkly red top and black skirt for evening. Astarte, headed by designer Jennifer Davis is based in Long Beach. Everything is manufactured there. She uses a certain cutting technique and fabrics that gives the plus-size woman shape. What sets Astarte apart is that the clothing is elegant yet casual. The cut and lines of the garments make it flow and creates shape for the hourglass and curvy figures. To view the online catalogue and for more info, please go to www.astartewoman.com.
The show was indeed a success and had a huge turnout. Jovy credits his inspiration for this unique mixer to a recent ANTM episode, which Tyra required the models to walk on the slippery lanes on a bowling alley. Lastly, he wanted to connect people in all industry backgrounds together, especially during these times. He wants to see people not just party at these mixers, but to mingle and network… There will be many more of these mixers to come and I can’t wait to see what Jovy will come up with next.

Special Thanks: Felix Salzman of LookbookLA, J’s Luxury Taxi Service, SpcaLA, Jovy Janolo, Parris Harris, Calpernia Addams, Lucky Strike, MyFashionPlace.com, JIVID.com, UltraFineMedia.com, German Oliva Productions, Efren Beltran Photography, and Apparel News Group.

Lauren-Elaine Fashion Show @ Les Deux 6/25/09

Jul 02 2009

Les Deux- one of Hollywood’s famous hotspots and celebrity hangouts was the venue for the Lauren-Elaine fashion show, which also featured handbags by Lust4Lux. Now, knowing Lauren from a previous event (see David Kahn/Lauren-Elaine @ Escondido Fashion Week), I wanted to attend and support her.

I arrived at the “infamous” club, tucked away off to the side of a parking lot off Las Palmas. Like every other Hollywood club, there were hoards of young hipsters and wannabe actors waiting to get into the club.

After receiving my PRESS pass, the velvet rope opened and I was let in to the small red carpeted area still outside the club. Several minutes and a few rude bouncers later, I was finally in. I went up to the VIP room and ran into Lauren. She was busy with getting ready for the show, but was still able to exchange “hellos” and whatnots before having to head downstairs. Later, I found a great spot on the balcony to stand and be able to catch a different angle of the show with my camera.

Lauren was showing her “Siren” Collection. A mix of day and evening dresses that were inspired by the Ancient Greek mythology and the ‘sirens’ of the 1950’s (Grace Kelly). My personal favorite was the Apollo Gown, a strapless floor-length gown with bold oranges, yellows and pinks. Two other dresses caught my eye, the “Aphrodite” and the “Nightingale”. Both are floor-length and sleeveless. But the elegant draping and the strong attention to detail are timeless.

Nevertheless, despite Les Deux’s inadequate services, the show was a smashing success. I enjoyed the energy from the models, the crowd and the designer herself, Lauren-Elaine Edleson. For ordering and more info: please go to www.lauren-elainedesigns.com or designs@Lauren-ElaineDesigns.com.

Special Thanks: Lauren’s PR: Stacey; Lauren, Lust4Lux Handbags, J’s Luxury Beemer Taxi Service, Sean and Jess from Falling Whistles.

Archive - July 2009