STYLE ICON GONE COLUMNIST

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
(click images to enlarge)

If you haven't picked up the MAY issue of InStyle magazine - make sure you do. Inside this month's issue you will find a must read new column, "Ask Rachel".

Rachel Bilson (otherwise known as our fave fashionista Summer from The OC) has now turned her love for fashion into a new monthly column. Bilson is answering your style questions and shares her must haves each month.

According to Bilson, "This column is the best homework assignment ever." With her love for fashion this celeb continues to be rewarded with the best personal style.

Answering questions about scarves in warm weather, what to carry with a cocktail dress and her take on flats gives readers a glimpse of her personality as a trend setting actress.

A little peak into her must haves this month:

Album: Richie Havenas "Mixed Bag"

Sandal: Anything Lanvin

Trend: Mixing Prints

To read more about her must haves and her Q & A pick up InStyle today!

Make sure you submit your style questions for Rachel by visiting www.instyle.com/askrachel

Lana Fuchs: From Runway to TV

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
Images, Courtsey of Kenn Henman of Aline Media

This is for all the American Idol fans who care about fashion, along with the 30 million viewers who tuned in to Fox on March 17th.

We were pleased to see that Grammy award winning pop superstar Paula Abdul looked stunning in Lana Fuchs Couture; we noticed the gown straight from the runway.

After our meet and greet with Lana Fuchs a few months ago at La Fashion Week we weren't surprised to see it make the big screen. Lana Fuchs is a celebrated designer who debuted her collection "Rhapsody in Bloom" down the runways of LA Fashion Week just this past October. The dress on Paula Abdul is known as "Madame Butterfly" and is a silk chiffon hand pleated one of kind wrap dress that is truly breath taking.

Lana Fuchs is known for her red carpet gowns and exquisite dresses. Keep your eyes open as her Spring/Summer 2009 Collection continues to be widely recognized, not only on television but publications which include Marie Claire, In Touch, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and California News Apparel.

Recessionista Update

We have come to learn many ways to remain stylish during times of economic
hardship. Shopping now becomes a patriotic act as we all are trying to do
our part to help the economy.It is amazing how far we have come as we once were splurging at a high end vintage store and how we are now scurrying through our nanny’s attic for a vintage piece.

Mary Hall, author of The Recessionista Blog, advised us that a recessionista is
“A former fashionista on this new quest for fine items at an affordable cost” –
a word that defines many of us. With the new president we are all hoping to say
good bye to recessionista and hello again to fashionista; in the meantime let’s
see how we can make it work. And with the spring season approaching quickly
we begin thinking we can never afford spring with its DVF silk dresses, strappy
Jimmy Choo’s, new Dior eye shades and Gucci sunglasses - it becomes
somewhat of an investment. But this year, we really can’t afford spring. It’s not
that we don’t have money in the bank, it’s that the banks don’t have money in
the bank; everyone is counting their pennies.

So, just because you're feeling the economic gloom and doom the rest of us fashionistas are feeling, that doesn't mean you still can't look like perfection this spring. You don’t
always need money - invest a little more creativity into your wardrobe; drop the
wallet and give your closet some deliberation and time.

MUST HAVE tips from a Recessionista

- Host a clothing swap: Invite as many people as you know – of all
shapes and sizes for an evening of cocktails and clothes. Have
everyone bring something they want to swap. Not only is this an
occasion for you to organize your closet but it a great opportunity to
score great clothes and accessories. One women’s trash is another
women’s treasure. In other words, one woman’s hammy downs are
another woman’s favorite pants.

-Think Project Runway: Work to improve what you have got in a
creative way. Get more mileage by tailoring blazers and switching
buttons, alter jean hems, mix and match your patterns and layer on
the accessories to pull new looks together.

- Learn to sew and make old clothes into new ones with a little
innovation. Stop by your local sewing store and sign up for classes,
some are even free!

- If you are shopping at a boutique and something is on sale, it may not
hurt to ask for even more of a discount. Most sale items end up at a
sample sale anyway. It never hurts to ask. Small business owners are
feeling the credit crunch too!

- Don’t forget about those unwanted gift cards! You can visit
cardavenue.com where you can swap your card for someone else’s
unwanted card and never let your gift card go to waste.

- If you can still shop on a budget we have found some of the coolest
stuff from flea markets, thrift stores, and eBay. Secondhand shopping
becomes more like a hobby; a hunt for the new trend can make a
fashion-forward ensemble. Just recently we scored some amazing
vintage necklaces and bangles on eBay for just a few bucks.

Eco-Ganik : Hello Green

A look back:
Mercedes Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week

Text: Casi Densmore-Koon

Images: Courtesy of Peter Tsai Photography
http://www.petertsaiphotography.com



When: October 15th, 2008
Where: Culver City, California
What: Eco-Ganik




FRESH NEW LOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE ECO-CHIC

Defintion: eco-ga’nik (n.) : the fusion of fashionable design and eco-consciousness.



As we waited for the show to begin (a collection that seemed to impress everyone sitting in Stage One) we had a chance to chat with design director Hoda Mallone.

CK: What influenced you to use organic fabrics and become an eco-friendly designer?

I HAD BEEN INTERVIEWING AND FREELANCE DESIGNING FOR A WHILE AND WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AT ECO-GANIK PRESENTED ITSELF, I JUMPED ON IT! I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED AND FACINATED BY ORGANIC FABRICS AS WELL AS ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS. IT JUST MADE SENSE FOR DESIGNERS TO SEEK OUT COMPRABLE FABRICS THAT WERE ECO-FRIENDLY WHENEVER POSSIBLE, AT LEAST FOR ME ANYWAY. I THINK AS HUMAN BEINGS, WE SHOULD ALL DO WHAT WE CAN TO SPARE MOTHER EARTH ANY MORE HARM. I TRY TO CONDUCT MY LIFE IN THAT WAY AS WELL, BRINGING THAT INTO MY WORK WAS A NATURAL TRANSITION.

CK: We will be going to your show this week, what can we look forward to seeing? What inspired your collection?

THANK YOU FOR COMING! I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THE SHOW. I NAMED THIS COLLECTION “FRESH START” FOR MANY REASONS. WHEN I WAS BROUGHT ON TO DESIGN, PART OF THAT WAS TO REVAMP THE WHOLE BRAND. WE DESIGNED A NEW LOGO, A NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN, NEW WEBSITE, AND A NEW LOOK. I WAS TOTALLY INSPIRED BY THAT, THE IDEA OF FRESHNESS! THE COLLECTION IS ALL ABOUT CLEAN LINES, VERSITILITY, AND LAYERING. I ENVISIONED THE “IT” GIRLS AND FASHIONABLE WOMEN WHO ARE AWARE OF THE ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES IN THE WORLD, AND WHAT THEY WEAR, AND COMBINED THE TWO. I WANTED TO GIVE HER OPTIONS FOR ANY OCCASION IN HER LIFE. SHE IS ALL ABOUT VERSITILITY AND BEING ABLE TO THROUGH SOMETHING ON (OR AT LEAST APPEAR THAT WAY) AND RUN OUT THE DOOR.

THE COLOR PALLET IS ALSO REMINICENT OF FRESHNESS…COOL GREYS, YELLOWS, AND GREENS, WITH PUNCHES OF RASPBERRY AND A LAGOON BLUE. I’M VERY PROUD OF MY FIRST COLLECTION AND FEEL IT’S SETTING A FOUNDATION FOR THE ECO-GANIK TO COME.

CK: In comparing your line with others, the prices are fairly reasonable for an eco-friendly designer, was that your goal?

IT ABSOLUTELY WAS. I AM VERY AWARE OF PRICING. IT IS NOT EASY GETTING FABRICS THAT ARE REASONABLY PRICED, OR THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL, OR EASY TO USE IN THE ECO-FRIENDLY WORLD, BUT IT’S GETTING BETTER. I THINK IF YOU OFFER THE CUSTOMER A GARMENT THAT IS COMPRABLE, IN STYLING AND PRICE, TO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT ORGANIC OR ECO-FRIENDLY, THERE SHOULD BE NO QUESTION WHICH GARMENT TO BUY. ESPECIALLY NOW, IN THIS ECONOMY AND UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC TIMES AHEAD, A COMPANY COULD EASILY PRICE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MARKET. ECO-FRIENDLY CLOTHING SHOULD BE A STAPLE, NOT A LUXURY. I DON’T THINK IT SHOULD BE MORE AVAILABLE.

On with the show:

We never realized how cute you can look while helping save the earth - it was all about being eco-chic at the Eco-Ganik Spring 2009 Collection. A collection where the models could walk right off the runway and gain many compliments on what they are wearing. It was the first collection of organic fabrics that were reasonably priced, trendy and fashion forward; giving any consumer a reason to go green. It was a versatile and stylish line that is basic and contemporary. Organic cotton, bamboo and denim, along with natural materials such as shells, woods and nuts are used to balance the eco-conscious theme.

The olive bow tie top, tier tube dress, grey jumpsuit, dark denim wide leg jean, long striped sweater and halter dress with pockets showed us just how up on the trends Eco-Ganik really is. The muted colors; white, yellow, burgundy and urban print went perfect with this collection. Feminine ruffles is something every girl loves, along with silhouettes to show off your shape. The high waisted pant with wide cuff is one piece everyone should own. The braided belts, gladiator sandals, and long necklaces completed the LA CHIC look in which many are trying to achieve this season.

For those interested in innovative hip styling and is interested in eco-conscious living visit Eco-Ganiks website, www.ecog
anik.com

The JULIA CLANCEY Spring 2009 Presentation at Smashbox Studios

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly
http://www.thefashionexaminer.blogspot.com/
Images, courtesy of Ming Han Chung

DATE:
Monday October 13th @ 6pm
Day Two of LA Fashion Week

We sat elbow to elbow in the hottest tent in Smashbox Studios listening to jazz waiting for the "Un Petit quelque chose" Collection to go off. Finally, forty five minutes later the British Opera Star, Summer, started the show.

SHOW THEME
" This selection of desirables takes one from the marina of St.Tropez, the red carpet of Cannes and sunset cocktails of Muscat…”

ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Julia Clancey is a London based designer who established her name as a stylist prior to starting her own label. Her signature style is an iconic blend of classic glamour and glitz.
Her style was evident throughout a collection of designs that were about empowered femininity and classic elegance.

The collection touched on styles from the forties to the seventies We loved the modernized flapper silhouette – a drop waist cocktail dresses with satin sash belts and short hemlines. The kaftans were delicately embroidered and trimmed in gold and silver and can effortlessly flatter anyone. The brighter palette consists of tropical turquoise, papaya, jade and strawberry.

OF SPECIAL NOTE:

Swarovski Studded Mini Shifts
- Low plunging neckline gowns
- Dramatic billowing sleeves
- The Accessories! There were big Sunglasses, signature beaded belts, oversized sash bows, & even a bejeweled mask

To learn more about Julia Clancey, visit the website, www.juliaclancey.com

THE KEVAN HALL Spring 2009 Collection Show

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly (http://www.thefashionexaminer.blogspot.com/)

Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes Benz

When: October 12th, 2008
Time: 4pm
Where: Smashbox Studios, Culver City California, Main Tent

"Quiet on the Set as we peer through the looking glass of timeless American design" - Kevan Hall

Kevan Hall started out Mercedes Benz Fashion Week LA with lots of glamour. Looking on front row was Brent Bolthouse from Bolthouse Production [Heidi’s former boss on “The Hills”] and Dana Delany from “Desperate Housewives”.
Each design was put into a collection of five scenes.

Scene I – a capsule collection of collection of chic attention grabbing white and black ensembles.

We loved Mr. Hall’s fluid yet structured silk dupioni over sized gingham in voluminous shapes. The gingham Bacall rehearsal blouse in black and white silk gingham shantung with black pencil pant was cinched with a silk and cotton notched black patent leather corset belt.

Scene II –color! Shades of taupe, azure, sage, and white accented with silver metallics.
We loved the sage/aqua ombre silk chiffon dress with rosette straps.

Scene III: "Think Pink"
Fluid gowns in a brighter palette; citrine, apple, amber, turquoise and marigold.
Here were silhouettes that Harlow and Dietrich would wear, interpreted in a modern way.
This spring look on the red carpets for Kevan’s pink criss cross crinkled silk chiffon goddess gown and pink graduated taffeta jazz dress.

Scene IV: the new "Dinner Dress". A chic palette of black and navy combination in chiffon, taffeta, and embroideries received a standing ovation.

A MOMENT WITH KEVAN HALL:

CK: Now that IMG has pulled of Los Angles Fashion Week, will we see you at Bryant Park?

KH: I would love to show my Fall 09 collection at Bryant Park. Perhaps I will do both NYC and something intimate for my LA clients.

CK: What influences do you draw upon in your designs?

KH: I love all things beautiful. A collection could be inspired by the richness of the sea or the distinctive people of the tribes in Africa. The Spring 2009 collection dresses my muse from rehearsal, lunch, dinner to the red carpet.

CK: What inspired this collection?

KH: The great costumer designer Andrian who created the images of style icons Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich and Norma Shearer.

CK: Anyone you would love to wear your gown?

KH: Michelle Obama to the Inaugural in 2009.

We hope he gets to do just that!

For more about Kevan Hall and his designs, you can visit his website - www.kevanhalldesigns.com

RADAR ALERT: The Whitley Kros spring 2009 Collection

When: October 2009, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Where: Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA - home of Los Angeles Fashion Week

“I went to Morocco…..with Allen Ginsberg in my satchel and Bob Dylan in my ears. Met Alessandro and embarked on a romantic adventure….Safari in Africa and sunsets in Greece.” – Whitley Kros

Whitley Kros is a fictional character many girls would love to be. Design duo - MARISSA RIBISIS, singer Beck's wife, and SOPHIA COLOMA collaborated to name the gypsy child. We were able to speak with the designers before the show began to find out exactly who Whitley Kros is.

CK: Who is Whitley Kros?

Sophia: We have this character, Whitley Kros we created. She is a character who travels the world. The concept is like she gets on a plane and she has a satchel and she has music in her ipod, and a book, the things she’s reading, and you know how when you travel overseas, like if you’re listening to something in Paris and its romantic so you might have a more romantic feel or hard rock if you’re listening to Nirvana – so it’s the same thing, she travels to places and gets inspired by that and then she gathers up pieces and then comes back and lands in LAX and her suitcase opens and that’s the collection.

CK: Does your work reflect your personal taste or style?

Marissa: Yeah, I don’t see how it couldn’t.

Sophia: I also think we travel a lot and that comes into it and the good thing is she and I both change, like we’ll be into this look once and next it’s the same – a little bit like us so it’s really fun so it gives us like a boundary to create with it.

Marissa: But one thing I know that we both love is we both love price and we both love color and that represents and I think that is what the line is representing.
Lyra Mag: Will we ever see you in New York at Bryant Park?
Marissa: Yes, we will go to New York.
As for the fashion industry – Sopia suggests that “you have to have a message and you can’t listen to everything and everyone, just stick to what you want to communicate and communicate that – some people are going to love it and some people not so much but that’s how you become a real designer. Stick to your message and keep getting that out there."

CK: Are there any trends we should keep on our radar?

Marissa: I think we have different ideas on trends and that’s one of the things I love about us too. I mean I always think we are ahead of the trends but also like I lost a bunch of weight after my kids and I love showing off my waist and right now Sophia is pregnant so trend is also how we feel and what we feel is coming.

Sophia: Right now I think it’s around a lot and we still love rompers. We love rompers!

Marissa: I think I’ve always worn rompers and I always will. It’s like a dress, it’s a one piece, its one outfit and you pay for only one thing.

After our interview backstage we sat in on the rehearsal where Kelly Cutrone told models to have fun, and make a statement at the end of the runway. As the crowd poured in, Bob Dylan’s Ballad of a Thin Man played in the background, a song Whitley Kros would have on her ipod. It was a full house with Selma Gomez and JoAnna Garcia (who plays Megan on The CW’S new show Privileged) sitting front row.

The collection of 43 looks made being fashionable look easy with mix and match pieces you could throw on and go. There were prints with stripes, colored leopard prints, tie dye pink jeans. Harem pants and jumpsuits are continuing trends along with a little lace and short shorts. The tangier print was our favorite, along with the Black Cameroon Jacket and Africa dress with the mustard duster knit which channeled the urban chic that’s in us all.

Among the very few accessories were bright blue combat boots that looked spray painted, long scarves in various prints and colors, cinch your waist belts and long necklaces. The makeup was very light and showcased the models' youthful beauty.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Whitley Kros is a girl worth getting to know.
Whitley Kros was chosen as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” Designer for LA Fashion Week, Spring 2009.

To see more, visit www.whitleykros.com . Marissa and Sophia designed the website themselves, it showcases great music, thanks to a little help from Beck.

The BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR spring 2009 collection at LA Fashion Week

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly http://www.thefashionexaminer.blogspot.com/
Images Coutsey of Peter Tsai
Photography
www.pertersaiphotography.com


Beach Bunny Swimwear is West Coast Love!

What: Beach Bunny Swimwear Spring 2009 Collection
Time: 7:00pm
Where: The Lightbox, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA

Model gone designer, Angela Chittenden is known for her bathing suits being classy sexy styles and inspired by lingerie. Seen on some of Hollywood’s hottest stars; Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Petra Nemcova, Britney Spears, and Jessica Alba. For this collection her inspiration was Malibu Barbie Meets Hollywood and that's exactly what she gave us.

Looking on were Karissa and Kristina Shannon, Hugh Heffner’s new twin girlfriends sitting front row as Saleisha Cycle 9 winner of Americans Next Top model strutted down the runway. Songs like Britney Spears "Gimmie More", and Pussycat Dolls played while models showed off suits with names like “Fantastic Voyage”, “Suicide Blonde” and “Viva La Vida” helping make for a truly fun show. The front row could hardly sit still has they danced to the beat and clapped over their favorites.

A FEW WORTH NOTING:
Out of the sixty looks our favorites were the baby doll dresses and rompers. The “Hot in Here” navy anchor print off the shoulder dress could easily be worn off the beach, along with “Burning Up” fuchsia terry jumper with ruffle detail and gold buttons at center front.

TREND ALERT:
*It’s all about THE ROMPER this season. The cover ups can take you from LA to Miami. As for the swim suits, we have never seen what is called “trapezoid” - it was a one shoulder bikini, known as “Can’t Buy me Love”, in bright colors, fuchsia and aqua with a jewel encrusted detail.
* CROC will also be seen this season – The “Paint it Black” black croc bandeau with necklace detail showed this trend off to perfection. The suits were styled with big hats, gloves, fish nets, berets, and bangles.

THE VERDICT: If you don’t mind showing a little bit of skin off in the sun, you are sure to love this collection.

To view more looks from the collection, visit
www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

Lana Fuchs’ “Rhapsody in Bloom” Spring 2009 Collection

Text, Casi Densmore- Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly http://www.thefashionexaminer.blogspot.com/

Images, Ming Han Chung, Peter Tsai and Casi Densmore-Koon

Time & Place:
Day 3 of LA Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios
Tuesday October 14th @ 4pm

Where: The Main Tent

Lana Fuchs debuted her couture collection as the 1st Las Vegas based designer to show at Mercedes Benz 7th Annual Fashion Week in Los Angles. Showcasing more than 50 looks she pays close attention to detail with her vibrant color, ultra feminine silhouettes and day to evening elegant dresses - even a wedding gown. The hand made embellishments got everyone's attention and made a lasting impression.

We were able to briefly catch up with her backstage before the show as she beamed with excitement holding her daughters hand, her "mini-me" before she took to the runway.

CK: How does it feel being the first Las Vegas based designer to participate in IMG Mercedes Benz Fashion Week?

LANA: It is a huge honor!. Despite the fact that we do not have many resources for our industry here in Vegas, I love this city and hope that some day we will have our own Garment District, Fashion Mart and our very own LV Fashion Week.

CK: What is your signature style?

My signature style would be best described as timely and timeless elegance, consisting of dresses in seductively feminine silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. These are pieces designed for women who collect beautiful clothes, not just buy them. Each Lana Fuchs Couture dress will hopefully be passed down as a family heirloom from one generation of women to the next.

CK: How do you balance designing in addition to being a CEO for Billionaire Mafia?

It is certainly a challenge to wear so many hats, but I believe I have an advantage because I am also a mom, which means that early on, I learned how to juggle my responsibilities and budget my time, as all moms do. I try to adhere to a schedule, wherein one half of my day, usually mornings are spent on management and the afternoons, and very often evenings are dedicated to the love of my life, which is design. I also use the weekends to have some "quiet time" and work on my designs when my husband and kids have their own activities scheduled.

CK: What was your inspiration for "Rhapsody in Bloom"?

I was inspired to use stunning floral prints after an unforgettable walk through the gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France. While traveling from Udaipur to Jaipur, I fell in love with the vivid colored saris, which inspired my spring color palette. Thus, Rhapsody in Bloom came to life in rich silks, delicate chiffons and embroidered lace, with delicious accents of handcrafted embellishments.

CK: What can we really look forward to in this collection?

LANA: My debut collection for Spring 2009 is splashed with exuberant colors and prints, and is entitled, "Rhapsody In Bloom," It features elegant dresses from day to evening in an array of ultra feminine silhouettes. These timeless pieces are designed to enhance and adorn the beauty and femininity of the woman who wears them.

THE SHOW

The silk and hand embellished gowns and dresses showed of the exquisite detail of her collection. Here are a few we just couldn't help by mention because of their unique touches.

"Capri" - HAND PAINTED devore satin empire baby doll dress in aqua
" Madame Butterfly" - Silk Chiffon HAND PLEATED wrap dress in a white butterfly print
"Debutante" - Brocade butterfly V-NECK CUT OUT SLEEVE flared dress in black
"Ivy" - Organdy applique and chiffon halter BRAIDED empire dress in black/white
"Stella" - FEATHERED mesh halter shift dress in gray
"GiGi" - Feathered mesh and silk chiffon HAND EMBELLISHED empire dress in gray
" Angelique" - Silk Jersey braided tulip sleeve dress in black

For those planning to take a walk down the red carpet, three of the four finale gowns would be perfect choice. We couldn’t stop taking pictures backstage of the taffeta hand embellished mermaid gown in pink.

End note: Lana Fuch's debut received a standing ovation and the support of celebrities; Joel Madden, LA Laker Lamar Odom, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons and stylist George Blodwell. Add to that America’s Next Top Model winners Nicole Linkletter and Salesha Stowers were among models that presented this very talked about collection on the runway.

For more information, visit www.lanafuchs.com
or www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyTrHCj96e4&feature=email
to watch the runway show.

The Tulle & Cloth Logic Adore Vintage Spring 2009 Fashion Show

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly (http://www.thefashionexaminer.blogspot.com/)
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

TIME & PLACE: October 16th @ 4pm,
LA Fashion Week at Smash box, Studios, the spring 2009 collection.

The tulle women's collection was conceived by design duo JENNIFER SMITH and AMOUSHKA SCOTT. The women were brought together by the desire to preserve past trends and by their love of travel.

WHAT THEY SHOWED: pants, tops, skirts and dresses, outwear & chic separates.

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS
Vintage fashion, flowers, architecture, as well as indie art shows and local boutiques.

THE DESIGNER INTERVIEW

CK: Can you tell us a little bit about your inspiration for the Spring 2009 Collection?

TULLE: We were inspired by images of vintage bicycles, boats, and the idea of spring fever and love at first sight.

CLOTH LOGIC: It was inspired in part by launch of Cloth Logic and Spring fever in the Ivy League school campus of Boston. I was really taken back by a picture I saw of a couple walking, holding hands through a Boston school campus after a spring rain. In the background architectural elements of the old brick, ornately detailed buildings were so rich with hues of wet red brick and deep grays, the blue sky, with slight passing gray clouds and the lush green of new grass and blooming green and brown buds of trees waking from a winter sleep. I incorporated all those colors into this collection.The blue and deep taupe gray I used on preppy bodies of hooded windbreakers and waterproof poplin trenches and baracuda jackets, again with striped accents under collar and pockets. I used cool vintage geometric prints for the linings.

CK: What can we look forward to in this collection? Who do you see wearing it?

TULLE: We are known for our bold usage of color and vintage inspired aesthetic. For spring 09, we brought a modern edge to the collection with pops of orange, yellow, fuchsia, and teal. We loved the high waist for short, flirty skirts, tulip and paper bag shapes, and cropped stovepipe pants.

The Tulle girl is confident, intelligent and creative. She expresses herself through her own personal style. She appreciates quality and detail, but doesn't necessarily want to spend a fortune to get what she wants.

CLOTH LOGIC: We're targeting a young creative professional, age ranging between 18-30.
The Cloth Logic guy likes and appreciates good design and is attentive to details, but does not have a lot of money to buy expensive clothes. OUR retail prices range between $50-$80.00 for sweaters and $65-$110.00 for jackets. To give you an example our woolen coats retail for $130.00

CK: What influenced you to bring in menswear to the collection?

TULLE: Men deserve to express themselves through clothing just as much as women do, but there aren't really a lot of affordable options out there.

CLOTH LOGIC: Tulle's success inspired us to follow a similar philosophy for Cloth Logic - to bring high quality design with an affordable price tag. Cloth Logic is designed by Leon Shpayer.

PRICE POINTS & WHERE TO BUY
Retail prices range from around $40-$60 for a top to around $100 for a wool coat.
The Line is now being sold in boutiques all over the world, some of the LA boutiques include UnaMae's, Clover and Ananda.

PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT
They’ve recently launched a new lower priced line called TULLETTE- she is the slightly younger, more playful and girly kid sister of Tulle.

Also in the works - extensive development of organic and recycled fabrics ranging from wools, cottons, bamboo, polyester etc. They're integrating domestic production and eco-friendly fabrics into both lines Some manufacturing will be domestic as well, “made in LA”.

THE RUNWAY SHOW

The palette; avocado, sangria, blush, marigold, pearl, lagoon and scarlet. A high point in the collection: the jackets that were beautifully executed to perfection, such as a short Navy Trench, the Capes, and a Black Barracuda Jacket, to name just a few.

Some favorites in the women’s line:
Exit #1: The "marina pant" which channeled Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and the fist 8 looks of the show, which was very strong.
THE VERDICT This collection offered the perfect blend of vintage chic and is effortlessly cohesive.

END NOTE: We were able to get a few vintage inspired "Happy Days" long sleeve 3 button sweaters that seemed to be unisex and a few marigold seamless camis from their new collection. Both can easily be paired with jeans for a relaxed chic look.

The SUH-TAHN spring 2009 Collection at LA Fashion Week

Text, Casi Densmore-Koon

Edited by Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Casi Densmore-Koon and also courtsey of Peter Tsai Photography

www.petersaiphotography.com

Day One: Sunday October 12th, @6pm

"The life of our collection transcends the inner workings of California: echoing the curves of our coast, the fluidity of the ocean, and the internal systems of beings in brilliant harmony with its surroundings." – Designers of Suh-Tahn

The designers, SHANNON NATA and DIMITRY TCHARFASD created a collection full of bright white, black, navy and denim that was simple yet a very innovative collection that was at once light and organic. Before the show we were able to catch up with the designers as we sat in on rehearsal. They could hardly sit still as they danced to the runway music and laughed with the models – we could all feel their excitement and the great energy they brought to the room.

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

CK: What is your design philosophy?

S-T: Our philosophy is to find balance.

CK: Do you have any differences collaborating designs or do you have split duties in the company?

S-T:In the beginning of each season, we get together and share our ideas with each other, we bring in pictures, objects, stories of anything and everything that has inspired us individually. From there, we piece it together once we find the direction for the collection.

NOTE: Shannon works more closely with the pattern maker and sewer, while Dimitry focuses in the business side.

CK: Due to the deep recession do you feel business is hard right now?

S-T: Business is tougher than what we would like it to be, but pretty much every industry is affected, and we are positive that things will change for the better soon. Taking into account that people are spending less now, we still try to create interesting pieces at a more affordable price. No matter what, we all need to dress daily!

CK: Do you have a favorite piece in the collection we should be looking out for when watching the show?

S-T: The standouts are our new silk voile/leather jackets, and the scuba dress with leather details.

CK: Describe your collection in just a few words.

S-T: Light, Sleek, Sexy…

CK: Where do you draw your inspiration?

S-T: From our surroundings. Having grown up in California, we really wanted to transcend that idea into the spring/summer collection. We incorporated the surf culture, the laid back attitude, with the translucency of a jellyfish, and the inner workings of a living organism.

CK: What kind of person do you imagine wearing your clothing?

S-T: Someone who's bold and confident. A person who enjoys clothes, and likes to play with their personal style. Someone who expresses himself or herself thru their self-styling.

CK: What can we expect to see in the future?

S-T: We are diving straight into fall/winter now, we will be expanding more on our men’s collections, and are planning to do a jewelry capsule collection to complement the next season!

THE RUNWAY SHOW: All about the layers It featured ultra-chic basics for the sophisticated city girl – New York or LA. We loved the oyster chiffon hoodpiece with white pin stripe tank and white scuba short and the tide dress paired simple with ankle boots. The denim pleated strap dress was a design you don’t see on every runway. Also noteworthy, the denim vest with white gully dress and silver cosmopolitan clutch. The white racer dress could easily be worn day to night and well as the white piperline tee and denim bubble skirt. Zippers will remain a trend; featured here on the black zipper dress and skirt. The black knit wing tank and white scuba legging seemed to be a crowd favorite; it was seen again in the show in different colors – black scuba leggings and white tank.

MENSWEAR

As for the menswear, we loved the black tank, denim trench and black waxed highwater [ie: pants.] The denim blazer and denim reverse short had a innovative design – it looked as if the collar was sewn into the jacket. THE

BOTTOM LINE: The high end fashion lines lives up to its definition: • Soutane – Noun – French word meaning “sacred robe” • Suh- Adjective – Feminine, of Arabic and Sanskrit descent, meaning “star, light” • Tahn – Adjective- Masculine, Greek rooted from Thanatos, meaning “darkness” To see more of what Suh-Tahn has to offer, visit their website, www.suh-tahn.com