It's been a good minute since I've posted for you and I missed WestCoast Wednesday. (My apologies) I do have a mixtape for you that encompasses both "Throwback Thursday" & "WestCoast Wednesday".
DJ Quik Teamed up with the LA leakers to drop his First ever Mixtape entitled "The Audio Biography of David" a clever play off words to help introduce his upcoming album titled "Book Of David" which drops on April 20th. This mixtape is a compilation of some of Quiks best work mixed in with some of his new work of his new album. This also features, Ice cube, Suga Free, Kurupt, Bun-B and more. You won't be disappointed in grabbing a copy for the house and the ride.
I added a new song from the album "Book of David" and the Mixtape for you to listen to. Enjoy.
"I'm not dating," she says. "I'm not sexing, I'm not even sexting. It's on complete nil." She says she hasn't been with anyone since breaking up with Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp, which went down before the public found out in December, so it's been at least four months since she got any action. "You think you're disappointed?" she says. "Try being in this body."
Wowza that is a lot of information!! Rihanna gives a very candid interview to Rollin Stone about pretty much everything- Chris Brown, her sex life, her father, her friends, her favorite place to eat etc. Click Here to check it out- can't wait to see the rest of the pictures released around the internet.
MK and Ashley have gone high end, and No I am not just talking about their line The Row. The girls have granted Vogue a rare interview along with a cute fashion spread together (which they very rarely do). I think it is nice to see them come out of their shell a little, They usually are so boho- I never really picture them at home or just relaxing and having a good time.
What do you guys think? *I think they got it ... dude!
Kate Winslet simply wowed at the red carpet for her HBO Miniseries, Mildred Pierce. Wearing Stella McCartney Fall Runway 2011 piece- she looked fabulous. Only change?? I'm not feeling the shoes, could have gone with a sueded black peep toe for me. I wasn't actually a fan of the polk a dot on the runway but seeing it on Kate makes me double think it.
So aside from the big group shows like Project Ethos and the smaller fashion installations at Concept, we also were invited to so pretty good traditional fashion shows for the Fall 2011 season. Lucky us we were able to get front row seating (either through a list or by the force of Ms. Cherrie) so we have tons of pictures for you all!
Fremont is one of the most popular lines based in LA that still shows at LA fashion week. The perk for them? They are the stars. The house was PACKED with every one you would want at a fashion show minus Anna Wintor. The line was what you would expect. They know what people are wearing today, what trends are coming, and what is still hanging around. They are really breaking out as a LA brand to follow.
Another LA fashion power house, Skingraft continues to stand out from the pack as a line worth investing in. And by that i mean they make clothing the way the greats do. They make clothes that make a statement out side of seasons and trends. The craftsmanship is impeccable and the designs are just powerful! They didn't do a full on show this year, just an installation which i hope isn't a sign they are growing tired of the Concept Week.
B:Scott brought it and was my favorite show of the season! I have a soft spot for men's ware but that aside, this collection really was the stand out. There were this amazing and HUGE leather pieces, from back packs to folders/man cluches. All the models walked with a shade covering their faces, which only helped. The focuses was soley on the clothes and the walks! And boy could these boys walk! All weekend we heard the pit of photogs yelling at models to stay centered, walk slower, pause!! but these boys were pros and they wore the mess out of capris, shorts, drop-crotch pants, hoods and jackets. If there is one line to research after all this, it would be B:Scott!
Jen Awad
This line was surprisingly good. Colors were safe and fabrics, basic BUT the concepts helped to spark on lookers attention. Since no one is really over men's wear right now, the suites and jackets till looked relatively fresh. Low cut backs and unexpected bow acceindts gave the line it's own little shine. It was the chifon dresses that made the biggest impact for me, again can't really go wrong with a flowly femmie dress. The knee high socks matched with un laced boots and booties were cute.
News hit early this morning that Elizabeth Taylor passed away from complications of congenital heart failure today. Official statement read as following:
"She was surrounded by her children – Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton. On Feb. 11, she had been taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, and she peacefully died there. Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."
So sad to read!! Elizabeth will be remembered for all her roles and contributions to the film industry, her on going humanitarian contributions to Aids research, her entrepreneur skills with all her beauty lines and of course her fabulous sense of style and love for jewels.
So, With LAFW finally coming to an end- I have finally come across some free time to write about some of the shows I got to go to. From Concepts, Project Ethos, Bloggers Lounges, Fashion Minga and B.Scott- I have to say I was much more impressed this go around then I was last season. Being fresh implant from NY- I have to admit, I am a bit of a fashion show snob when it comes to these events. I come in with high expectations and fully expect to see pieces that are runway ready- with proper finishing, fitted and telling a story. Unfortunately last season I was completely disappointed and underwhelmed, It made me really question what fashion in LA really had to bring to the table, if it all was worth being on the map-but with this seasons surprisingly good shows- I have come to appreciate what I think is now a LA Fashion cocoon.
You See- Fashion in LA is unlike any other place. As much as some designers try, It can't be Couture like Milan, Japan or Paris, It's not high end or as sophisticated as New York or London nor is it as skimpy as Brazil or Miami but it somehow is a mix of the Angeleno culture and a realistic view of what the West coast consumer will purchase. Yes, a bit main stream but a category of its own that should be reckoned with.
Concepts
As close as possible to what the energy NY Fashion weeks will bring you, this concept displayed art, fashion, runway and booze. A GREAT combination. Some shows left more to be desired while others were right on point but my favorite part? The Fashion Installations with Live models.
Curly V
I always love when I see a local kid making it big, although with the experience and technic Curly V offered in his Installation you can hardly call him a kid. Having previously worked for Artist Francisco Platt, David La Chappelle and designer Jeremy Scott you can tell in all of his designs that the love and respect for Fashion is embedded in his soul.
One to watch out for kiddies ....
Ashley Paige with Melanie Mills
In a world where all is good, cupcakes are eaten for breakfast and Nirvana can be found on your walk through Runyan canyon come the world of teeny tiny crotchet bathing suits and glitter make up. Not going to lie, I have never been a huge glitter girl but after seeing the display and put on by this team I am slightly impressed. With a setting that I could only assume was to be a boudoir, the environment- model choices and product seem to be perfect for what they were trying to display.
Project Ethos
Always a big deal, this season really seemed to take it up a notch. With sponsors, red carpets, unbelievable long lines- this season in Ethos really kicked last ears Ethos in the butt. A combination of musicians, up and coming designers and open bar (hello!) really made for a fun event.
Before the fashion came the music though and I have to say that I was FLAT OUT IMPRESSED by the opening band. The Robotanists brought down the house in the first 30 minutes, it was pretty awesome. I had never heard of this band but I have to say that as a united front, the entire Pretty Cheeky team was impressed. Can't wait to get an album out of these cats....
Now back to fashion- I'm not gonna lie it was a bit of a mixture for me. Some was great while others were very mediocre (Yes Fredericks of Hollywood, I am talking to you). In the earlier press function, I was lucky enough to meet many of the designers and was very impressed by them- I truly wanted to love all their pieces but unfortunately it wasn't all great. So, lets be positive- Here are some of the highlights:
Melissa Velia
Stunning work from this Local SoCal designer, she stole the show with a fabulous opening blasting A Nightmare Before Christmas' Sally's Song. Not only was I impressed her choice in music- but she straight brought a Ballerina that gave a fabulous opening number on her toes... the ENTIRE time. Impressive I say, check out the video below.
As for the fashion, It was Westcoast in fabric and silhouette. The colors and theme were very dark- I'm not exactly sure how this will do in the westcoast market but I think it definitely has potential for the east coast. Look forward to seeing what else is to come ....
Seth Aaron Anderson
Now, don't judge me for it, but coming into this show I had no idea who Seth Aaron Anderson was. Some reality TV designer? No idea really of his aesthetic, technic or vision- I have to say I was impressed. His clothes were the ONLY ones in the entire show that were finished correctly, tailored to the models and had an on going theme that connected from piece to piece- telling a complete story. Although I didn't love all the designs, I have to say it def was the best.
The rest of the event was fun, Like I said a vast improvement on previous seasons- so I look forward to attending again to see new/upcoming designer have to bring to the table. Check out a couple of other images below- with photo credits going to Raphael at RunwayIcon:
