Tag - Jessica Marks

I had the pleasure of attending LA Fashion Weekend hosted by Mikey Koffman of the Gallery LA. The three designers that showcased their designs were JLMarks, Balthaczar and Joy Rich. I was pleased seeing that Jessica Marks was showing her line, as I’ve met her once before (when I first moved to Cali) in her boutique and noticed her unique style. She has had the store for six years and she designs almost everything. This was her first LAFW showing and her collection, “Boho-Disco Mix”, was inspired by her Mom’s modeling pictures from the 70’s. The nostalgic line was a mix of ‘Coachella-chic’ meets Studio 54. I LOVED the sequins (and it’s such a major trend at the moment) and just the way the dresses moved on the runway. Hop on over of the JLMarks Boutique on West Third and take home a piece of the 70’s. The collection retails for around $150-300. The next line, Balthaczar, created by Crayhton Bauxmont-Flynn and Matthias Bartz was also well executed. They get inspired by just about anything, from architecture to art and gardens. “The tactile environment we live in, using all of our sense from the moment we touch something, see something and how it is interpreted for us and makes us feel…” the designers added. Right now, their shoe line is all the rage. It takes two-three months to produce and are handled by seven people. As far as their apparel line, the red dress with the folded enveloped silk chiffon and the long-sleeved green dress with two-tiered skirt and cowl neckline. I also enjoyed every piece in their collection, especially white and yellow one-shoulder number and the finale wedding dress at the end. The model threw the bouquet and my friend, Nikki Brucato happily caught it. Balthaczar retails for $425-950 for shoes (depending on shoe style and material)and $290-3,200 for apparel. For more info, check out their site or contact them via email: contact@balthaczar.com. The last brand and the headliner of the show, was Joyrich. Joyrich was founded in 2007 and opened its flagship store on Melrose with their signature Japan/West Coast style. The name, Joyrich was conceived with the belief of “to simply be rich in joy.” The brand is heavily inspired by the ’80’s and ’90’s. Their presentation was indeed very fun and festive with an emphasis on denim, paisleys, florals(worn by both men and women), and Americana. “[This season] has an infusion of the ’60’s and ’70’s elements into the multi-faceted line. A tribute to freedom and decades of change, the looks are reminiscent of a time when fashion and music were the expressive voice of the youth movement…” explains Leah Schmidt-assistant director/conceptual designer. Their signature pieces from the collection are the star-studded motor jackets (lined with the Amercian flag print) for men and women, the paisley-printed pieces and the pastel floral denim pieces. The Joyrich brand is aimed to make high-end fashions with accessibility, retailing for $45 for tees and leggings and $125-225 for coats and jackets. Joyrich can be found online, as well as Karmaloop.com, Kitson, Patricia Field and Revolve Clothing.

Special Thanks: J, the designers and models, volunteers and staff, Andrea Hanks, Laura Medina for again, helping me with a spot on the media risers, Mike Vensel for loaning me the outfit I wore to the event, Mikey Koffman and Gallery LA.

**Photography by Andrea Hanks**

**Photos by ME**