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Celebrity Style Pretty in Pink By Linda LaRoche In
1990, In Style magazine hit the newsstands and became an instant
success. It gave new meaning to newly hatched and self-doubting
fashion aspirants. Sharing the
secrets of the publication success was Martha Nelson, founding editor
of In Style, at high tea at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
(LACMA) Costume Council on November 15. “We
think about what women want and what they need” said Nelson. Expressing
her insights on fashion and style. “We’re smart without being
cynical, knowing without being exclusionary. Fashion fades, but
true style endures forever”. Nelson’s
evasive chic showed in her own fashion choice, a navy blue
pantsuit. Its slouchy drape skimmed her body in a free flow,
without flaunting or constraining her. The cut, slightly over
sized, flattered her size 12. As a working uniform it was
functional, neutral, dignified enough for travel, and would please a
boss, or an audience. You could read into what you wanted-
powerful, competent, and cool. Many
of the guests were stylish woman of substance; generals from the
highest ranks of couture. Others colonels, were in ready to wear
attire. And I spotted a few fashion civilians. Standing out on
the front line vetting classic cut suits, the Pasadena four stars paid
homage to Escada and Oscar de la Renta, refusing to deviate from the
principles of sportswear maxim- preserve thy image and never allow
trends to dictate mode. Sensible,
practical with simplicity of line. You won’t find a deserter in this crowd! Nelson
explained the three influences to shape In Style magazine.
Foremost, the universal appeal of celebrity, they have bodies unlike
those of models, with flaws close to our own. Secondly, the power
of electronic media. Remember the 1950’s film “Designing Women”
in which the character playing fashion editor Diana Vreeland says,
“blow the black, burn the blue, bury the beige, we’re doing pink”. From
that point on the film had oodles and oodles of pink. And so did
the public! Last,
women’s attitude toward fashion. We’ve gotten smarter, and demand
more. This may be why knock-offs are so popular and are even worn
by those who can afford the originals. Nelson made fashion
contrasts from American women to our sisters across the Atlantic,
stating, “We don’t wear a designer from head to toe. We are mix
and match-that generates style".
I pointed out that the average American consumer is inundated with
department store drab uniformity and accessories are therefore crucial
to creating individuality. As Nelson made her exit, her tan
ostrich tote bag was being admired. Fashion 101. How did she get
the look? Was it Yves St. Laurent, XOXO or a faux version of
Jones New York? During the tea one woman complained of being
frustrated by fashion. A swelling of voices clamored, including
mine, “That’s never been my problem!” My biggest dilemma has been how
to be the recipient of free clothes or loaners. I
usually work LACMA from the ground up, but this time I went directly to
the “Made in California” exhibition on the third floor presented by the
Costume Council. The
installation seemed to give a whiff so suntan lotion with a collection
of 1940’s sun and swimsuits. One suit in particular caught my
eye, a sooty red velvet with a sweetheart décolleté, elastic back and
long sarong skirt- obviously not made for the water, but luxurious and
ideal for being seeing in. Made for a diva, the late Joan
Crawford perhaps. 
PASADENA WEEKLY
April 4, 2002
Wedding Bell Clues
Elegant Bridal Silhouettes
By Linda LaRoche Something
old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If these eight
words are your mantra, read on. I'm going to tell you how you can get
swept off your feet in more ways than one.
White Rose Bridal Salon is hosting trunk shows from now until the end of the month. A
trunk show is where a designer visits a store to display their
collection. It allows the bride to view a designer's collection in
their presence. And while you won't get a custom-made gown, you'll be
properly fitted, and given choices and attention. With
wedding bells ringing in my head and possessing a fondness for the
nontraditional, I chose to attend the show by German designer
Wearkstatt. A
New York based company, Wearkstatt consists of fashion designers Jonas
Hegewisch and wife, Ursula. Both German born, they began their business
seven years ago. With a vision leaning toward European simplicity and
sophistication, fabrics are high quality imports with adornments making
the gown. Fit is crucial, and each gown is cut individually. The
cut is unique. Many of their gowns feature a built in petticoat along
with boning for a slim basque and seams of precision that make the gown
fit well from the inside out. Construction is paramount, since the
workmanship becomes obvious when the design is simple and clean. Their
gowns resemble elegant evening dresses with slim skirted trains, and
are slightly more expensive than those of yesteryear dripping with
sequins. Carefully
crafted in imported silk fabrics, exclusive beading, trims, embroidery
and laces make their gowns special. With limited production and
distribution, the Hegewisches select the stores to carry their gowns
and ensure exclusivity. Fabrics
are not limited solely to Italian silks and French lace, but also
include embroidered organza's, silk mikados, piques, soft flowing crepes
and diamante. A triumph of styles includes strapless and spaghetti
straps, young and pretty crepe empires, princess line, satin
cummerbunds, jeweled necklines, dramatic plunge backs, and detachable
trains with sleek lines for an epic wedding.
CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS
March 5, 1999 Whatcha Gonna Do in Those Shoes?
Love of the gams and feet are here to stay By Linda LaRoche Women's shoe designers are making bold moves this season, creating far out sandals and
heels in clear vinyl. Partly
inspired by advancing technology, this wave of ultramodern once was
worn in the 1950s. Today, clear vinyl shoes have made a comeback, with
a guarantee to shine optimism in either clear or light palettes and
also available in garden citrus colors. The range is more diverse than
the shoes of yesteryear, arrayed between summery, urban-inspired flats
to pointy slinky stilettos. There's
no doubt that vinyl is sexy. Purity has always been an
old‑fashioned turn on, but what gives it sex appeal is the illusion
that transparency lengthens a woman's leg. A bare leg on a dangerously
high stiletto can look like classic sculpture, and will make a man look
twice.
Stuart
Weitzman makes a beautiful Cinderella vinyl pump that's hot and
tempting. It is designed with air holes at the bottom of the toe
for comfort, allowing the foot to breathe; this lovely pump can be
worn day or night and looks great with tanned legs. A slim slip of
silver adorns the back of the rim of the heel, which is elongated
Lucite, making this a beautiful dance shoe, and a versatile one.
Lucite
is what goes into the construction of this shoe. A durable, resistant
acrylic resin that has longevity and can hold up in rain or shine, it is
used primarily by artists in designing art objects with a hefty price
to match. Fortunately, for either the socialite or the ingénue this
shoe is not cheap, but is affordable. Best of all, its style does not
impose age constraints. Anyone can wear this fun and fresh shoe.
You’ll find them available at my personal favorites Saks Fifth Avenue and for the dollar
unchallenged, the Shoe Salon at Neiman Marcus. |
