Los Angeles’ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week came and went last month, and fashionistas were out in force at Smashbox Studios in Culver City taking note of the latest offerings for spring of 2007.
As glamorous as Fashion Week sounds and is – there are many non-glam moments between shows. Like waiting. And waiting. And lots and lots of standing in line and waiting for doors to open. Standing, standing, standing. And, if one needs to walk outside for a breath of fresh air there is none – hordes of smokers gather by the entrance, making fresh air but a distant dream anywhere around Smashbox.
That said, there was a lot of inspiration on the catwalks, and that’s what Fashion Week is all about. Two exceptional collections were put out by Frankie B. and Jennifer Nicholson.
For those tired of super low waists and seeing too many g-strings, the Frankie B. show was a welcome respite. One of the hottest names in jeans for many years now, Frankie B’s show featured high-waisted jeans that seemed as though they will be flattering to many women’s figures, not just the stick-thin models. Metallic and sparkle-coated jeans were fresh and suitable for a day running errands or a night out on the town. Tops also sparkled, and had ruffles and bows. Skinny cigarette leg pants – very au courant – walked down the runway alongside wide-leg trousers.
There was a zebra theme to the Frankie B. show – evidenced by the zebra-striped gift bags bestowed on the lucky show-goers in rows 1-3 – and t-shirts, dresses, halters and tank tops all boasted the black and white stripes. Black, gold, cream, charcoal and fuchsia were other dominant colors.
The show ended with breast cancer survivors wearing Frankie B.’s limited edition Her2 Genes Jeans marching alongside models. All of the profits of the jeans sold at www.frankieb.com – available through the end of November – will be donated to Y-ME National Breast Cancer organization. The jeans retail for $165, and $107 per pair will be donated to Y-ME.
* * * *
Santa Monica resident Jennifer Nicholson’s show was one of the week’s highlights. Nicholson, whose boutique Pearl has been a staple on Montana Avenue for many years now, was certainly a crowd favorite.
Her invitation featured the picture of a large, colorful lollipop, and the collection matched that feeling. It was colorful and cheerful, girly and feminine, with lots of pink. It was a look back to the sixties with a modern twist and a timeless feeling all at the same time. Babydoll dresses and short shorts certainly catered to the more youthful, but there were pieces that could actually be worn by women over 20 and bigger than a size 0. One model’s blue-hair wig gave a print top featuring pink kittens an edgy feeling, as did the thigh-high black boots worn with a strapless floral dress. The audience loved the black dog held in the arms of one of the models as she strutted down the runway in a short black dress. Whether a kitten print, floral print or solid color, the looks all felt cohesive.
Individual pieces had groovy names such as Sherbert Suzie Wong Dress; White and Pink Foxy Beaded Mini with Shorts; Tree Love Pirate Mini; and White Chiffon Babydoll Dress. Nicholson’s designs are available locally at Fred Segal Couture, Planet Blue and Holiday.
The audience was at their feet by the end, applauding Nicholson’s inspired collection.
