Los Angeles Art Scene: Holiday Gallery reception in Santa Monica

Last Saturday I was invited to attend a gallery opening in Santa Monica at a collection of galleries called Bergamot Station. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had never been to this gallery before, but when I arrived at the event the parking lot was full and the galleries were crowded with people having a great time shopping for art from the amazing artists that were exhibiting. First I headed over to the Schomburg Gallery where I was invited to a holiday reception for the new exhibition by the artist Cindy Ingrahm Keefer. The small gallery is located at the top of a tiny staircase and overlooks the street. A combination of 3D sculptures and paintings decorated the room. The brightly colored abstract works brightened up the space and the intricate detail of the landscapes was captivating. Each piece had a story behind it and many of the works were inspired by the artist’s travels around the world. Any piece from this collection would brighten up a space and I suspect success from this showing.

I interviewed the artist and she explained to me her inspiration for the blue and green abstract; it represents the view she had while flying over the ocean on her way back from Costa Rica.

She painted the picture of Sacre Couer in Paris and said she loved playing with the color scheme.

This picture, a big hit with crowd, depicts a group of Brahminas she observed while in Costa Rica. Many people commented on the interesting personalities in their faces.

I loved the quality of light in this painting and the clouds are beautiful. The luminescence really make the viewer feel like they’re there.

These were some of my favorite works. I love the bright colors and bold lines and shapes. The artist explained that she was using a drip technique to create the movement in the painting. I think any of these pieces would serve as a great centerpiece in a modern decorating scheme.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these works you can contact he gallery at susan@schomburggallery.com.

After I had finished looking upstairs I wandered downstairs through some of the other galleries. I was impressed with the variety of work that I saw. There was everything from photography to surrealism and even some interactive art. I really enjoyed the local artists who showcased their California inspired work.

Venice is well known as an art hub here in Los Angeles and there were many interesting pieces from Venice artists throughout the display. I noticed that many artists focused on sunsets or sunrises and also enjoyed the miniatures that the artists featured.

I loved this exhibit by Artist Holly Boruck. Her surrealist-inspired works were a refreshing break from many of the dark modernist styles I saw. Her collection seemed to tell a story and I could tell that each piece had a message behind it. 

Next I was invited to try out this psychedelic looking structure. The artist Matt Elson explained that he creates these infinity boxes and each one has a different purpose. This particular one used reflections to layer each of the viewer’s faces over each other. I really enjoyed this interesting interactive art. This is just one example of a larger trend that is happening in the art world today with a push by artists to involve the viewer in their art. I think we will see continue to see more of this type of art as we enter 2016.

Another interesting exhibit I liked was the photography collection. There were many interesting photographs that had been digitally enhanced. I loved the nod to pop art with black and neon pink portrait of Marilyn Monroe. There were also several photographs focused on more modern trends such as the screenshot of this Instagram post with comments. I loved the commentary on our digital world.

I would definitely recommend Bergamot station for anyone who is looking for quality local Los Angles art.

Norweigan Rain x T. Michael launch party on Sunset Blvd.

This Thursday I was invited to the official launch party for Norwegian Rain's California debut, sponsored by a team from LA Fashion Week. LAFW welcomed international designers Alexander Halle and T. Michael.  The party was held at the exclusive LA boutique H. Lorenzo on Sunset Boulevard.  Voices from the crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk on the unusually warm November night and a friendly hostess greeted me straightaway as I walked into the party.  Antique Norweigen furniture decorated the modern space and the beat of techno fashion music played in the background.

I was greeted by the designer himself, Alexander.  It was clear the quiet wellspoken Norweigan was excited to be in L.A. The tall designer sported a Norweigan look with his blue suit and hat, punctuated with a red feather.  

The Norwegian Rain brand was founded in 2009.  Alexander and T. Michael partnered to make outwear with a Japanese influence; their brand was inspired by living in Bergen, the rainiest city in Europe. Thursday night they brought their designs to LA with the help of LAFW to, according to T. Michael see what would happen when they put all the best things they knew of together. The raincoat design incorporates the newest waterproof technology and traditional men's tailoring.  In my exclusive interview with Alexander, I learned how the brand was born.  Alexander told his story of perseverance. When he first pitched the idea to T. Michael, Alexander said, "Of course he said 'No.'" But he continued to visit each time it rained, and with the frequency he finally got his chance. T. Michael acquiesced saying, "Let's talk, because you're just going to keep coming back." Alexander had a less traditional route to his career as a fashion designer starting out studying business, but with this project he got to live his creative dream by launching his raincoat designs.  In the collection he described how they use Japanese material to incorporate the latest in sportswear technology.  They tailored the coat with the idea of hidden functionality; the smooth designs with perfect symmetry hide interior magnetic clasps and adjustable fit. He pointed out the unisex black raincoat on display at the front of the room as one that can be adjusted for personal preference.  

He also hopes to set a trend of sustainability and always designs consciously.  He gestured to a chic gray plaid cape that is made with recycled materials. 

As I walked around the room I noticed the interesting accessories including scarves, satchels, and shoes placed throughoput.

  I interviewed designer and tailor T. Michael about his brand new release of eyewear. 

The bold curvy design of the glasses was very unique. T. Michael explained that they were made from buffalo horn from Asia which allows them flexibility to form to your face.  He also chose this material because it is very durable and can last for years. According to T. Michael,"The glasses are a bold look for a bold person so that you can walk into a room and say, Noted, it's me." 

The collection was a hit with the L.A. fashion crowd that attended the party.  Many guests tried on the raincoats and glasses and some bought scarves and accessories.  As the team from LAFW said, "There is plenty of room for international designers in L.A."  This collection is especially timely with the approaching El Nino. This collection might turn out to be for more than staying in fashion after all in our usually sunny city.

All Aboard Fashion Show by Fashion Business Inc at Union Station

Fashion shows and events were happening throughput the week all around Los Angeles with some shows featuring established designers while others focused on up and coming artists. Fashion Business Incorporated a non-profit that helps start up fashion companies and apparel industry workers held their fifth annual all aboard fashion platform featuring amazing collections from some of their up and coming designers. The exclusive event was held at union station in downtown LA a popular forum for many fashion week events in LA. Attendees included reality TV stars such as the real housewives of Orange County and industry leaders including magazine editors and fashion executives. Everyone had a good time mingling at the cocktail party before the show and watching the celebrity guests arrive on the red carpet. Designers and VIP guests were interviewed on the red carpet where we got to hear about their upcoming plans. Celebrity stylist Marisa Kenson was interviewed about her new business venture the MK which allows customers to open their own e boutique and sell their favorite Marisa Kenson designs to their friends. "Stylists" as their called include celebrities such as daytime Emmy award winner Kimberlin Brown and Vicki Guvlinson real housewives of Orange County star. The collab feature is now open to anyone who is interested in applying. The MK Collab is the newest incarnation of the idea that fashion is becoming more and more about the consumer which has been slowly gaining traction within the industry. Although this trend has been around for awhile the MK Collab takes a refreshing approach and is definitely a rising star in the LA fashion industry.

After the cocktail party everyone headed in to take their seats for the show to begin at 7. The event was standing room only as it has been in recent years. The producers of the show and FBI executives Trish Concannon and Frances Harder gave the opening remarks in a flurry of disorganized speeches according to some audience members but finally they presented the Fashion Business Inc. designer of the year award to the opening brand eis Los Angeles. Designer, Ayumi came on stage to accept the award and everyone cheered. After everyone had taken their seats David Ono and Erica Ash, the hosts for the night, came onstage and presented a video about Fashion Business Inc.
The opening show of the night eis Los Angeles was definitely a crowd favorite. The beautiful flowing designs were perfectly cut and evoked a sense of wanderlust and ethereal California vibes with the western style influences and summer colors. eis is definitely a brand to watch as they make their mark on the Los Angeles apparel industry.
The next designer was the slightly more established Marisa Kenson brand. they presented a video showcasing their newest venture the MK Collab. the show featured the Marisa Kenson collection which is available for purchase online now. The clothes were aimed at the modern and urban woman with a sense of chic style. The collection covered many aspects of lifestyle from professional office wear to cocktail dresses. the show also included a runway walk from each of the MK Collab style ambassadors who were wearing their favorite pieces from the collection which can be found on their individual e stores. The Marisa Kenson collection is perfect for anyone who loves style the young up and coming city dweller to the established professional.

The next designer was Soverra a young new designer that caught the eye of many attendees. the collection was modern and original with tailored silhouettes and pastel colors.

Following Soverra was Odina surf wear a local surf wear brand based right out of Redondo Beach, CA. the collection was effervescent of classic California surf style with neon colors and fun patterns but the swimwear was excellently tailored with many modern styles making it novel and original.

Going from the beach to the ballroom the next show was by designer Sylvene Tsai of Vene Ai studios a boutique studio specializing in custom made wedding dresses. I spoke with the designer who has been working on opening her studio since 2011. She started out as a business major in college but quickly realized that she could not live without her art and pursued her love of fashion at design school. This was her premier collection entitled misty yard to reflect the fresh feelings and colors found on a misty morning in nature. The designs were beautifully crafted with many designs featuring the popular formal wear trend of high waisted crop top gowns. However many of the other designs strayed from the current trends seen in wedding design at the moment and instead focused on narrating the story behind the collection which resulted in a refreshingly cohesive collection. Vene Ai studios is known for it's attention to detail with each gown averaging about 100 hours worth of work. I definitely noticed the fruits of the team's labor specifically on my favorite piece shown below.

Then we took a trip around the world to Nepal with the Plush Cashmere collection by Nepalese designers. The collection was shown to help raise awareness and funds for the Nepalese who are still recovering from the devastating earthquake. All of the beautiful Pashmina's were individually hand crafted by locals using natural materials. The collection was excellently styled and even included kids wear!

Finally to close the show was Moss Adams Fashion Innovator Award or MAFI for short winner AS by DF designs. This new and fun collection was also a crowd favorite and a great end to the night. 

Araksi Balyan: Snow Queen of LAFW

I interviewed the young designer behind the stunning all white collection that Araksi Balyan designs presented at the first official LAFW in downtown LA and found the inspiration behind the "snow queens" that graced the runway. This was one of my favorite collections from the Sunday shows. I don't think I can do it justice so I'll let Balyan tell you herself.

Where did you go to school?

I am originally from Armenia. I have been living in the United States for only 5 years. I graduated from Woodbury University in May of this year and was offered to be in LAFW shortly after.

What was your inspiration for the collection?

My collection is sophisticated yet edgy, detailed yet subtle, monochromatic yet intricate. My inspiration came from Armenian winters, which I miss the most. I created a collection that is based on one of a kind treatments, textures and details. I have knitted fabric and created laser cut patterns on leather, I have hand stitched tiny fur pieces and created fun earmuffs. Even though my silhouettes were quite sophisticated, I made my Snow Queens look fun on the runway.

Do you feel like LAFW was a success for your brand?

LAFW was quite a success. It was an incredible and eventful start for my career and I hope to make LAFW showing a tradition every season.

What are your plans for the future of your brand?

I have already started working on a new collection that is quite the opposite of what I showed this season. I will not reveal all the details just yet, but I will say that it will a combination of art and darkness. Looking forward to reveal what I have for you next!

Recap and interview with Executive Producer of LAFW Arthur Chipman

International was definitely the theme from this LA Fashion week. Designers from Los Angeles and around the world showed up at events throughout the week.  The newest event on the scene called LAFW was held in the historic Union Station and showcased international designers from Belgium to Fiji. After the opening night gala on Wednesday night the weekend shows started on Saturday at 5pm. The new LAFW event was a much anticipated show with only a few brief mentions of the event in the news leaving the LA fashion community guessing about the newcomers. There was some controversy leading up to the event regarding the trademarking of LAFW and some of the existing fashion week events in LA but it seems to have worked out. Events not associated with LAFW are now using FWLA. In any case they definitely set a standard for themselves with their red carpet event showcasing innovative designers and entertainment.
The opening designer for Saturday night was Sanchez Kane you can check out my ec;lusive interview with the designer here. Highlights form the shows included iimuahii's futuristic collection with glowing accessories and futuristic forms with excellent construction. iimuahii is a local LA brand who has previously designed for music industry stars. Keeping with the futuristic theme was Flora Miranda a Belgian designer with an interesting collection focused on deconstruction. LA designer Reese showcased a high end swimwear collection with California surf vibes. The last designer of the night was much anticipated by the crowd. The show was a little disorganized since the staff had everyone move from their seats and a crowd of new guests was brought in leaving many guests standing in the back of the hot room for almost an hour while the show was set up. Luckily I was still able to get a seat and the show was worth the wait. Ashton Michael a celebrity in the LA fashion world showcased his new all pink and cargo collection. Ashton Michael has designed for many celebrities in LA including Nicki Minage. The designs had excellent craftsmanship something the designer is known for.
The shows continued on Sunday afternoon with more amazing designers. My two favorites were LA locals Araksi Balyan and Polina Zeyrina. You can check out my exclusive interview with Araksi Balyan here. The Polina Zeyrina collection had a classic LA style making it a crowd favorite. The clothes had beautiful and unique painted prints and each excellently styled outfit was accessorized with a unique pair of sunglasses giving each look a personality. The closing show was a showcase of Fijian fashion designers from Fiji fashion week giving off Isalnd vibes for the Sunday afternoon.
The event certainly made a spalsh and has everyone wondering what we'll see next form LAFW. 
I asked the Fashion Director Kim Krempien and Executive Producer Arthur Chipman just that and more in my interview. 

CdM: Do you think this event was a success?

       Chipman and Krempien: Yes. 

CdM: What are the plans for the future of LAFW?

       Chipman and Krempien: We are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming season of LA Fashion Week in March 2016.  

CdM: Will you continue to focus on international designers or more LA based designers? Why

       Chipman and Krempien: It's important to showcase a range and diversity in our designer lineup. There are certain elements of local and international designer's collections that play into what works in Los Angeles, and we will continue to be on the lookout for what those things are and how we can develop them. 

CdM: Are you more focused on up and coming designers or do you hope to attract more established designers to your event?

      Chipman and Krempien: We are interested in designers that are pushing the envelope and working in new and dynamic ways. That could be someone in their first years of business or an industry heavyweight. 

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what these two have in store for us this Spring!

Opening Gala of LAFW the newest fashion event in Los Angeles

On Wednesday night I headed over to Union Station to the Opening gala for Los Angeles Fashion Week official. Los Angeles most fashionable showed up on the red carpet to check out the newest event on the Los Angeles fashion scene. Everyone from music producers to fashion bloggers (including yours truly) showed up on the red carpet at the event.

 As I walked into Union Station I immediately saw the LAFW letters made out of daisys displayed in front of the entrance to the event. Green leafy backdrops surrounded the room and the runway ran down the middle. The historic Union Station served as a beautiful backdrop. The gold and white modern decor and seating creating a sophisticated feel. The room was styled by reworked interiors and the roses and flowers scattered throughout the room made it feel like a true fashion party. lighted letters spelling LA were placed throughput giving true Los Angeles downtown loft vibes. The Gala was catered by Sprinkles Cupcakes and there was delicious ice cream as well as gourmet cupcakes.

The event that started at 6 was filled with people by 7. The DJ had an excellent mix creating a fun atmosphere for guests to mingle. Another fun activity was the photo booth in the corner where guests could take 3 pictures ans have them turned into a GIF and sent to their smartphone. Soon everyone was taking their seats and I made my way to my front row seat with a great view of the runway. I also enjoyed my gift bag filled with goodies from Cinema Secrets the make up sponsor for the event. They announced the first designer of the night Yohei Oh No from Japan who is mentioned as one of the 6 designers to watch in Nylon Magazine. The designs echoed geometric shapes with circle and square shaped pockets emphasized by neon colors scattered the clothes. The collection came close to a vintage feel with 60's influences such as the shiny material but held a more futuristic and urban vibe.

In between shows there was a range of excellent performances to keep the crowd entertained. There was everything from ballet to Opera to a string quartet. The Anaheim ballet performed a beautiful dance with ballerinas in white tutus and their partners in black twirling up and down the runway. That was followed by a great performance of music by a string quartet. A crowd favorite was Viva la Vida by Coldplay performed on the violin. Next was Betty Tran a designer from Australia. The modern and perfectly tailored designs reflected this seasons trend of neutral colors and added a bold flare with a few bright red pieces scattered throughout. the black sequin detailing intricately designed on each piece tied the whole collection together nicely. It was a great kick off to the next 4 days of shows with designers from LA and around the world.

The night ended with a great performance form a Latin singer. Check out my next article for more on the rest of LAFW!