Los Angeles Fashion Week: Fashion Forward or Fashion Flop?
Ah, Los Angeles Fashion Week, where haute couture meets Hollywood chaos! Frankly, if you’re going to have ‘under construction’ on the invites, you better have a hard hat on as you walk the runway. But let’s dig deeper into the fabulous frenzy that was held at the W Hollywood hotel.
The BruceGlen Blowout
First up, we have the BruceGlen extravaganza. Imagine gospel choirs and contortionists – it’s like a Sunday service, but in neon. Their collection, aptly named “Runaway Out of the Blue,” had all the subtlety of a firework show in a library. We had fluorescent colors and graphic prints—because who doesn’t want to walk around looking like a walking highlighter?
The evening dresses were a surrealist explosion—beetles, olives, gummies! Only in Los Angeles, right? As the models descended the staircase, it was hard to tell whether I was at a fashion week or a rave sponsored by a candy manufacturer.
Just a gentle reminder: if you have to ask the model what she’s wearing, the answer is probably not going to be “a quiet evening at home.”
Ed Hardy: Rocking It Again!
Next on the runway, we had the Ed Hardy show, where nostalgia took center stage. You remember Ed Hardy, right? The brand that put tattoo art on t-shirts and convinced us that sporting a dragon was acceptable at brunch. This year marked its twentieth anniversary—because nothing says ‘happy birthday’ like a crooning guitar and faux leather pants!
The rooftop setting was perfect. A crowd that ranged from hardcore fans to bewildered teens who probably thought ‘who’s this Christian guy?’ multiplied the chaos. Kudos to Kevin Christiana for injecting new life into the brand while sticking to its roots—or should I say ‘ink’?
A Lesson in Contemporary Collaboration
And then we had other brands aiming for the spotlight, with House of Aama taking the stage for a refreshing perspective on Caribbean culture, jazz, and skin. Mind you, their latest collection was all about celebrating identity and family ties—much needed in a sea of fluorescent chaos. Bravo! As for the Connected Brands—what a clever name! About as ‘connected’ as my WiFi when I actually need it.
If I had to describe LAFW in three words: chaotic, colorful, and calculating. Or should that be ‘casual, kooky, and perhaps a bit clueless’?
What’s Next?
As we conclude this stylish saga, will Los Angeles Fashion Week evolve? Well, if it can manage the fine line between artistic expression and absolute absurdity, perhaps its future is brighter—provided they keep the construction signs at bay!
Remember, in fashion as in life, there are no rules, only trends—often dictated by who can pull off the biggest risk. So here’s to next year! May the chaos continue, and may your fashion sense be ever in your favor!
Published on
November 18, 2024
Los Angeles Fashion Week, commonly known as LAFW, has officially concluded. Held at the luxurious W Hollywood hotel, this year’s edition, intriguingly titled “still under construction,” featured an exciting lineup that included 6 dynamic fashion shows alongside a variety of presentations, exhibitions, enlightening discussions, and captivating performances, successfully drawing in audiences spanning all age groups.
After a compelling opening day highlighted by the inaugural West Coast gathering of The Blue Jacket Show in conjunction with the Rio World brand, the second day kicked off spectacularly with the glamorous presentation from the BruceGlen brand, founded by the talented twins, Bruce and Glen Proctor.
The BruceGlen showcase, aptly themed “Runaway Out of the Blue,” was a feast for the senses, beginning with a soulful gospel performance featuring the inspiring singer Jekalyn Carr and her vibrant gospel choir, who lit up the atmosphere of the W Hollywood hotel. This event served as a heartfelt homage to the passion of the duo, dubbed The Fashion Preachers, who blend their flair for fashion with a spirit of spirituality at various events. Following the gospel segment, a thrilling display unfolded, featuring acrobatic performances by contortionists and hula-hoop dancers from Cirque du Soleil, creating a dazzling prelude to an extensive runway show accompanied by the enchanting tune “Daydream in Blue.”
As models descended the dramatic staircase of the W Hotel, they showcased a breathtaking array of silhouettes awash in a vibrant palette of fluorescent colors and graphic designs, elegantly rendered on a variety of apparel including shirts, shorts, and opulent satin sets. The show’s finale introduced a selection of flowing evening gowns adorned with whimsical patterns featuring beetles, olives, gummies, and lollipops against a striking blue backdrop. This theatrical presentation embodied the whimsical essence of fashion, capturing the eclectic spirit synonymous with Hollywood and the larger Los Angeles fashion scene.
Highly anticipated, the Ed Hardy show emerged as the standout event of this fashion week. Hosted on the scenic rooftop of the hotel, the parade drew an unprecedented crowd, inclusive of a diverse audience that spanned generations. Attendees ranged from devoted fans sporting caps, t-shirts, and dresses emblazoned with the iconic tattoos of Don Ed Hardy, to curious teenagers just being introduced to the brand’s allure, and couples in their thirties who brought babies equipped with noise-canceling headphones to ensure comfort amidst the buzzing excitement.
Now under the stewardship of Iconix Brand Management, well-known for operating numerous other celebrated labels such as Jay Z’s Rocawear, ZooYork, Joe Boxer, and Candies, the Ed Hardy brand commemorated its 20th anniversary with a radiant celebration in Los Angeles.
Creative director Kevin Christiana, who has been at the helm since 2009, orchestrated a mesmerizing show that successfully elevated the label’s image with the unveiling of the luxe collection dubbed “By Appointment Only.” This collection marks a significant evolution for the brand originally launched by French entrepreneur Christian Audigier back in 2004. Known for his ingenious collaborations with iconic rock and pop stars, Christiana drew inspiration from his well-documented history in fashion as he gets ready to showcase the brand on this prestigious stage.
“In 2019 I was the creative director of Adam Levine’s clothing brand, and I made my clothes at Revise Clothing,” says Kevin Christiana. It was during this time that one of the Revise Clothing managers reached out to discuss an upcoming project involving Ed Hardy and the launch of their luxury line, “By Appointment Only,” a celebration of the artistic works of the iconic tattoo artist, Don Ed Hardy. Embracing my extensive background in rock fashion, I eagerly embraced the opportunity, and the collection quickly began to evolve, garnering the attention of notable celebrities such as Gigi Hadid. Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed substantial success, and we’re thrilled to present it here in the city where it all began.
Selecting the most talented young models from Los Angeles, Christiana set the stage ablaze with sonic beats reminiscent of Depeche Mode, launching a stream of silhouettes characterized by faux leather trousers, the brand’s trendy new design, teamed with sultry tops that prominently display Don Ed Hardy’s tattoo aesthetics, complemented by striking chain accessories.
The show proceeded to feature an eclectic mix of crop tops for both girls and boys with a playful punk aesthetic, an extensive lineup of tank tops and caps embellished with lion and heart tattoos, and daring ultra-mini denim skirts styled alongside traditional ultra-tight western boots. There were also exquisite leopard-print evening dresses artfully paired with fishnets and chunky leather gloves for a striking finale. Ultimately, the collection was a vibrant homage to the rock and tattoo culture, encapsulating the essence of Ed Hardy’s artistic legacy in a stunning tribute.
Now facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s, legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy played a pivotal role in shaping the label’s identity throughout the years. A prominent figure hailing from San Francisco, he opened the revered Tattoo City in 1977, a beloved studio that recently closed its doors just three months ago. “I naturally crossed paths with Don Ed Hardy several times,” shared Kevin Christiana. “In fact, his son recently etched one of his father’s latest designs onto my arm just weeks ago. From day one of my collaboration, my aim has been to honor his art, which continues to inspire all collections, and this mission will undoubtedly persist into the future.”
Connected brands
While the shows from the Private Policy and Theophilio brands did not leave a lasting impression, this edition of LAFW made waves for other noteworthy reasons. It spotlighted the innovative approach of connected brands, exemplified by the presentation of Tribute Brand, a unique entity encompassing both physical and digital realms. Additionally, the showcase provided vital visibility to established yet occasionally overlooked brands, such as Head of State, which was prominently featured throughout fashion week, and House of Aama, which collaborated with the iconic Hollywood music store, Amoeba Music, to host a lively afternoon mixer.
Founded in 2017 by the talented mother-daughter duo, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, House of Aama proudly introduced their latest collection, “Sun Records,” this year. While the name evokes the famous Memphis record label and legends like Elvis, the collection pays homage to Caribbean roots and the rich jazz heritage of Los Angeles, particularly honoring Akua’s father, the groundbreaking jazz musician Jamaiel Shabaka. Having relocated their operations from New York to Los Angeles two years ago, the label has since produced their garments in local workshops and boasts a retail presence at Saks Fifth Avenue, Moda Operandi, and Nordstrom, further enhancing their reputation by making a notable debut in Free People stores this season.
Associated with LAFW since last year, the Otis College of Art and Design unveiled the remarkable creations of its most talented students over a four-day celebration. Almost like a cherry on top, viewers were treated to the poignant screening of the documentary film “The Times of Bill Cunningham,” which narrates the life of the iconic American street photographer. Narrated by star actress Sarah Jessica Parker and introduced by producer Mark Bozek, this 2018 documentary encapsulates the profound journey of this charismatic figure, who transitioned from a hat maker in the early 1950s in New York to emerge as one of the most respected “fashion historians” of his time, noted for his captivating street and celebrity photography.
Taking place from November 13 to 15, this year’s LAFW operates during a traditionally quiet purchasing period for industry buyers, raising the potential for transformative changes in the future format of Los Angeles Fashion Week.
How are brands like Tribute Brand reshaping the online and offline retail experience in today’s fashion landscape?
Talented duo of Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabazz, House of Aama has carved out a niche that celebrates African American heritage through contemporary fashion. Their emphasis on storytelling and culture has resonated, making their recent collection a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the rich tapestry of Caribbean influences.
This fashion week also showcased the concept of **Connected Brands**—a term that cleverly marries tradition with innovation in the fashion industry. One such standout was the Tribute Brand, which seamlessly integrates both physical and digital elements into its offerings, reflecting the blurred lines between online and offline retail experiences in today’s fashion landscape. This exploration of connectivity doesn’t just apply to how consumers interact with brands but extends to the collaboration between brands and the communities they are part of.
Yet, amidst the vibrant displays and innovative concepts, not all presentations garnered equal acclaim. Labels like **Private Policy** and **Theophilio** struggled to captivate audiences in ways that left a lasting impression. However, it’s essential to recognize that each collection plays a role in the larger narrative of fashion, representing the myriad voices within it.
The event also took a moment to honor the conversations surrounding sustainability—a topic that continues to gain traction in the fashion world. While not all designers may have met the mark this year, the acknowledgment of sustainable practices indicates a slow, yet promising shift towards a more responsible fashion future.
**Los Angeles Fashion Week** reminds us that fashion is an ever-evolving tapestry, woven together by the creativity and resilience of its participants. As we anticipate next year’s events, let’s hope for a continuation of vibrant chaos, artistic expression, and, above all, the ever-persistent evolution of fashion into territories yet unexplored. Here’s to the next chapter in fashion’s unfolding story!
