LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEKEND
This past weekend fashion lines within Los Angeles competed for our time and attention. In particular Saturday night
Unfortunately, I had to make the decision to miss the Elmer Ave secret fashion show downtown (you can read about it here), but was able to make it to the Division E, Raw-7, Tavik Swimwear, and Urban Republic show for a little while before grudgingly having to leave to attend another event I had previously committed to. These lines were all part of the The Gallery LA produced Los Angeles Fashion Weekend, where they showed off their Spring and Summer 2010 Collections
Although there are those that are quick to write off the LA Fashion Scene, at times forgetting how much really goes on daily in the busy lives of those who keep this industry alive, it was nice to see that all of those present did not share that attitude. They all filled the courtyard playing catch up and enjoying drinks from the open bar sponsored by Skybar (hosted by Marani Vodka, Asahi Beer, 1921 Tequila, Steaz Organic Energy Drinks, Smart Water and IZZE soda) while waiting for the fashion show to get underway.
Some of the Brand Equity Showroom team were seen sporting their Division E designer client’s designs (as well as Signature Collection footwear from Sponsor Report Shoes), giving a sneak preview of what was to come later during the actual show.
A noticeable and welcome change from the typical fashion show scene at the Sunset Gower Studios was that a lot of the general public and sceney fashionista mainstays were excluded, opting for a guestlist comprised of mainly buyers, designers, agents, and media.
The Gallery LA owner/producer Mikey Koffman had this to say, “People talk incessantly about the recession and the need to cut back, but the reality is that now, more than ever, local designers need to get involved to prove their worth to buyers, media and consumers across the world.”
This statement definitely set the tone for the evening, as this show had an underlying theme of “getting down to business.”
Here are a few shots from the show (I apologize for the poor quality, you can find additional much better photos here). Click on Images to enlarge. Hair by Elle Hoppenstedt and the Aveda Planet Salon team.
Here are some better photos:
all photos courtesy of Launchpad PR
Saturday October 17, 2009
(click on images to enlarge)
Featured Photographer – Jessy Plume
A native New Yorker, who self admittedly tends to “fall in love” with almost every subject she shoots, Photographer Jessy Plume is a rare combination of childlike wanderlust crossed with a wise old soul. Upon meeting her you quickly become aware that she gets it. You may not be quite sure just yet of what “it” is, but you are certain she does. You are probably right.
The photographer who counts Joyce Tennison, Avedon, Anabel Vasquez, Tom Waits, and David Lynch as inspirations and people she looks up to expresses no hesitation to go against the norm or think outside the box when it comes to her photography. She is also often guilty of making a habit of getting away to places where she has no cell phone reception.
photo by Jenn Ryan
Plume who first realized photography would be her passion at 16 years of age, now counts Alexandra Von Furstenberg, DANSR, Elmer Ave, H Studio, Love Rebellion, as well as many other designers as clients. The MassArt (Boston) and Art Center (Pasadena) alumni has also quickly become the go to girl for many LA based bands who want to work with someone who can capture the true spirit of their band’s image and sound.
Nikon and Canon are what this self-described “typical Gemini” prefers to use professionally, but still indulges in using film for personal projects or when the budget and/or concept allow for it. Plume also intimates, “My Holga is always my go to when I’m feeling like I need to get away from all the BS.”
When asked if she feels she sees the world differently from other people Plume responded “I don’t think I am in any place to judge how anyone sees the world. I think my pictures have ‘a look’ to them and I see other pictures I identify with or am inspired by, but I don’t think of it as necessarily ‘different.’ ”
Jessy Plume’s work can be found at www.myspace.com/masadamaya and www.jessyplume.com.
Check back for a Q & A with Jessy next week.
Also all visitors of TRAffIK will get to witness Jessy Plume’s work on a regular basis as she is who captures much of the sights that you will see featured on this site.