Archive - December 16, 2012

Every time I have the opportunity to meet a well-known label’s designer, I immediately jump on the chance. So when I heard that the designer from Black Halo was going to be holding a press preview here in town, I was ecstatic. It’s like being starstruck, but on the fashion industry level. Let’s just say it was such an honor to meet and chat with Laurel Berman- designer of Los Angeles brand Black Halo. For the event, I wore a demure floral 70s dress and a loose side ponytail. When I met Laurel, I noticed (as did she) that we were both sporting side ponytails (or in her case, a side bun). Such a refreshing coincidence…great minds DO think alike!

In case some of you are unfamiliar with Black Halo, let me give you a brief introduction. It was launched in 2002 and only had a few employees. The company has obviously since grown and keeps all its manufacturing in Los Angeles. It was Laurel’s husband that branded the label- ‘Black Halo’, which is in reference to a “naughty angel.” She’s got the halo, but it’s a tad tarnished. Laurel likes to consider herself a rule-breaker, thus reflecting that ‘rule’ into the brand, along with being polished, defined and sexy (but not overbearing). Think along the lines of pencil skirt and body con silhouettes…with attitude. Her designs are made so that the women wearing the garments feel beautiful, confident and ready to take on the world. The Black Halo customer is the career woman, which is why most of the dresses are designed to be taken from the boardroom to dinner. The ‘Jackie-O’ dress for example, one of their best-sellers, is the womens version of the power suit. I can see why every time I see that dress in person or in photos. It’s architectural silhouette hugs all the right assets (which is one of the things Laurel strives for) and I love how you don’t have to really accessorize it…it’s just a statement in itself. We previewed a small presentation of current and up to Spring 2013 dresses, including the debut of Black Halo EVE, which was launched exclusively with Neiman Marcus for one season. I am just as in love with the new evening collection as I am with the day-to-dinner dresses. Simple, sleek, with their signature architectural draping. They have incorporated an invisible zipper in the slits of some of the evening wear designs. The zipper is made so that the wearer can show as much or as little leg as she wants. I love how Laurel is so innovative and thinks ahead when it comes to the little details that might make life easier for whoever buys the dress. I could go to that charity function with no or tiny slit and before I hit the after party, I would hike up the slit so I could have an “Angelina Jolie”moment. Black Halo is such a huge hit with celebrities. Laurel had mentioned that they had recently dressed Louise Roe in a custom gown for when she was commentating on the red carpet during the Oscars. She later made twenty ‘best-dressed lists’ for wearing that gown. That really speaks a lot for the brand, as the ‘best-dressed’ lists are usually only reserved for celebrities. All dresses stay below $700 and are always on-trend, yet timeless. Check out blackhalo.com for additional information.

Huge thanks to Mistelle and Jennifer at Neiman Marcus-The Domain, the models and Laurel- LAFashionsnob is a HUGE fan!