Day 2 of Los Angeles Fashion Week
Responsive Textiles
When it comes to innovation and hands-on design, this designer certainly tops the list. Kristine Rodriguez’s knitwear is something that isn’t only extraordinary in the way it’s made but in the shapes and forms that she can work her clothes into. All of her pieces are entirely handcrafted right all the way down to the looming fabrics. Rodriguez’s knitwear is all spun by hand so she has complete freedom for whatever color, style, or pattern she wants for her next collection. The collection that he presented at this year’s fashion week was named The Revival Series. The show begins with thick black and white clothing that resembles a skeleton. And then you move on to some powerful red pieces playing into the legendary phoenix idea. Rodriguez then wraps up her show with a soft nude and ends with angelic whites that reflect the soul and become stronger than ever. What amazed me about the entire show were the shapes she could create with the crochet and loom. Her outfit consists of a floor length pencil skirt which has a polka dot texture, cutouts on the dress, distinct slits and a deep v-cut at the back on top, pleats on some of the skirt and top as well. The lines remind me of a wearer who wants to stay snug and appears as if they do not want to try too hard, but they’re the best clothes in the room because of the detail, uniqueness and construction of their look. Responsive Textiles is a tremendous brand, completely wearable for the everyday woman. It’s very feminine with just the right touch of edge and creativity!
Dan Richter
Sticking to highly creative and innovative designers, Dan Richters is another designer who kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the show. I found Richters to be a real artist rather than simply a designer and here’s why. The collection entitled Benthic follows an aquatic life form, similar to mermaids but barely darker and edgier. In his lookbook, he quotes; “I’m fascinated by the oceans – particularly the ocean floor. The textures and shapes found in this collection reflect benthic life. If anyone lived there, I imagine these would be their clothes.” The collection is steel gray scale. Models walked the runway looking as if they had just stepped out of the ocean, hair wet and bodies misted. The outfits were all made of hand molded silicone that took the form of long dresses, short mini body suits, two sets of clothes, and fin-like headdresses. It’s really charming. The texture of each bit falls into the mouth. Each garment consists of layers of scales, spikes or fins. The outfits hug the models perfectly and move so gracefully that I did not know the collection was made of silicone until after the show and that I got to get up close and private with one of the models and admire the amazing print. Between the silicon, Richters placed a really fine mesh fabric for the sheer cut and darker shading beneath the silvery fin and textured finish. Each piece has a blindfold and open latch which adds to the collection’s appeal. True artistry at its best and great results for a well planned and constructed collection.
