Designer Paulina Lopez in front of her rack of colorful garments
The sudden collapse of LA Fashion Week 'Official,' just two days before it was scheduled to commence, stranded 18 brokenhearted designers without an opportunity to showcase their spring collections. Susan Costa, the Executive Producer of LAWF 'Official,' blamed the debacle on the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for failing to issue an event permit in this statement.
Michael Venedicto and Jeff Warrington, the producers of the forthcoming Fashion Los Angeles , along with Kelsi Smith of Two Point Oh! LA came to the rescue this evening and graciously hosted an opportunity for the deserted designers to present looks to the media in their swanky Spring Street loft headquarters. Three designers participated in the evening, dubbed “Bloggers Café 911,” Paulina Lopez, Anh Volcek and Daisy Gonzalez.
(L-R) Designer Paulina Lopez, Michael Venedicto, Fashion Los Angeles, Designer Anh Volcek, Cynthia Ruiz of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Designer Daisy Gonzalez, Jeff Warrington, Fashion Los Angeles and Kelsi Smith, Two Point Oh! LA
“There will be no exchange of money, there is no underlining agenda… we simply want the designers to show their work.” said Michael Venedicto, co-founder of Fashion Los Angeles.
Paulina Lopez evening gown
Paulina Lopez is a gorgeous Mexico-City based designer. She was inspired by all the colors the rainbow for her diaphanous collection of spring cocktail dresses and evening wear. Specifically, Paulina told us that Green=Hope, Yellow=Light, Blue=Peace, Purple=Beauty and Coral=Force (Fuerza). She was also inspired by Tinker Bell, and Greek nymphs. These sophisticated designs for risk-taking ladies who want to explore their creativities feature beautiful hand-made stitching and intricate weaves. Learn more: http://www.paulinalopez.com.mx/main.html
Look from Daisy Gonzalez’s Spring Collection
Designer Daisy Gonzalez, R, with model
Daisy Gonzalez, another beautiful Latina, was quite simply inspired by spring itself. Her body hugging designs were sexy and sophisticated, wearable, fun and indeed reflected all the majesty and freshness of the spring. There is a certain Great Gatsby quality going on here, and Daisy told us that one of her favorite designers is Ralph Lauren. Jewelry for this collection was provided by the talented Frank Garcia. Learn more: http://daisygonzalezdesigner.blogspot.com/
“The Sidney” dress by designer Anh Volcek
Designer Anh Volcek is charming, petite and a little goofy. Her SS2011 collection of dresses and separates combines European draping techniques with an updated American flair, offering women comfort and modern appeal. Comfort is so import to Volcek in fact, that she believes even the most glamorous evening wear should feel to the wearer like “sweat pants.” The above purple dress is called “The Sidney,” so named for Anh’s niece. The model was absolutely fierce btw, and looked like a gorgeous, young Supreme. Learn more: L"une Collection
Another Spring Look from the L’une Collection by designer Anh Volcek
Cynthia Ruiz from the Department of Cultural Affairs was in attendance, which was a nice nod of support from the city.
We’re glad that the Blogger’s Café stepped up and provided this opportunity for these fine designers to showcase their SS2011 creations. Mounting a fashion show takes an enormous amount of time, energy, money and emotional investment.
One of the designers who presented this evening expressed dismay at the implosion of the WCM/LA Production Studios’ LAFW 'Official' event. She spent $5000 for the ability to stage her runway show at that event (which has yet to be refunded). This sum was to have included hair, models and make up, even though all of these elements were allegedly recruited on a volunteer basis. She had numerous other expenses including program guide printing, producing duplicates of every sample and publicity, which could have easily run another 10K. Ouch! So unfair and so unfortunate.
A prime example of why we need a professional, cohesive, seamlessly produced, city supported, and industry-accepted and approved Los Angeles Fashion Week…imperatively.
Labels: Fashion Los Angeles