Tag - Skingraft

I was invited to attend the Jen Awad show during Concept LA-second night. I sat in the front row, which gave me the perfect opportunity to view her line up close. I was very impressed with this recent FIDM grad’s line “Post- Apocalyptic 1940’s”, inspired by the ‘futuristic 1940’s pin-up’ and with hair and make-up inspired by Dita Von Teese and Barbarella. I went crazy over the gold vinyl and faux leather suits, the dresses with crisp sweetheart bodices and tailored lines. Check out www.jenawad.com for more information.

There were two other fashion shows that evening, which I unfortunately was unable to see, were martinMARTIN and The Battalion. The three fashion installations on the mezzanine level were Skingraft, Valerj Pobega and Indian Casino (www.indiancasinofashion.com).

Skingraft designer Jonny Cota is always known for avant-garde designs. But this installation was very, in my opinion, controversial. I walked into the room, somewhat taken aback by the haunting Buddhist chants, ghost-like mannequins all dressed in black (and the latest Skingraft collection)…and then there were the macabre pig heads.on display in various parts of the room. Jonny meant for his installation to be uncomfortable and appeal to the senses (the pig heads and the Buddhist chants). He also mentioned a piece of advice to budding designers- ‘Don’t show if you’re not really ready. Take another year to PERFECT the collection before showing at fashion week…In order for LA Fashion Week to be taken seriously, LA designers need to be taken seriously…’ Check out www.skingraftdesigns.com!

I met up with designer Valerj Pobega, who had ethereal hand-painted tartan-inspired gowns on display. It was like the British Punk Rock Movement meets Vivienne Westwood. Valerj, who started her line in Spring 2008, works mainly with silk and paints them as she wants because she doesn’t like them ‘as-is.’ Her clothes have been seen on Debi Mazar and Monet Mazur and can be found at high-end boutiques like Church and Code-C in LA. Go to www.valerjpobega.com or info@valerjpobega.com for more information.

Special Thanks: J, Mike Vensel (www.mikevensel.com), Amy Kwon, the designers and models, Spring Arts Tower, Smashbox Studios, Toni & Guy (www.toniguy.com) and Michael Shane of Gorgeous PR.