Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week came and went with its usual bang, albeit this season it was a big, green bang. The Spring 2008 Collections were all things eco, from organic fabrics to barefoot models to programs printed on recycled paper to real grass on one runway.
Fashionistas, celebrities, paparazzi, and Culver City’s finest were all out in full force for one of the most important dates in Los Angeles fashion – the bi-annual showing at Smashbox Studios. Stilettos and mini skirts were in full force, both on and off the runway, while gladiator sandals sashayed down a runway or two. Buzzwords of the week included eco, green, and conscious.
Free drinks flowed while emerging eco designers watched their designs on the runway for the first time. Familiar names showing at Smashbox included Randolph Duke, Sue Wong, Kevin Hall, Chick by Nicky Hilton, Christian Audigier, and Leatherette.
Fashion Week Highlights:
Bird of Prey
Making its Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week debut, Bird of Prey showed wearable, casual clothes, with bright hues and colorful prints.
Samora
High-waisted skirts, column gowns, bamboo, and silk were prominent, as was a Grecian feel to all the clothes. Designer Samora Olayan looked to Bellona, the Roman Goddess of War, for inspiration.
Candice Held
Definitely for the younger, svelte, perfect body crowd, the colorful summery dresses tied in the back.
Petro Zillia
Bright, flowing, silky dresses drew fans such as Paris Hilton to the show.
Oligo Tissew
T-shirts with colorful and bold – many Asian-inspired – graphics, cozy sweaters, and a modern look for suits all added to a crowd-pleasing collection that can be worn by real people with real bodies.
Evidence of Evolution
Casual clothing with eco sayings, including I (recycle) LA.
Monarchy Collection
The clothing at the beginning of the Monarchy show was casual, but slowly evolved into preppy casual with a very hip twist. The runway was covered with real grass, making some of the models in high heels work a little harder for their money. Designer Eric Kim took his runway walk with a model covered with green slogans, reminiscent of Goldie Hawn during her Laugh-In days.
Over at the Design Suites, up and coming designers showed their wares alongside established lines such as Blue Tattoo jeans and The Jack Rabbit Collection of luxurious accessories. For something different in denim, new Smooch jeans are soft, comfy, and lightweight, with slight whiskering, a unique angled waistband that is flattering, and the option of crystals on the back pockets and belt loops.
In the ever-increasing world of eco-awareness, it’s nice to see more and more choices for the ecologically conscious fashion lover. It is easy being green – and beautiful and fashionable. Spring 2008 might very well be the greenest season since the advent of the Earth shoe.
