Sunday Night @ Boxeight: “This is not Milan, this is not Paris, this is not New York and it’s definitely not Culver City…this is Downtown LA!” - words excitedly uttered by Boxeight founder and producer, Peter Gurnz. At that moment I couldn’t feel more proud to be a Downtown resident and an attendee at what is positioned to be the next official Los Angeles Fashion Week, Boxeight.
Going back to their roots the Boxeight team chose the elegant Los Angeles Theatre to host their 3 day event - the venue alone was enough to make a deep impression. Fortunately, these guys and gals are artists themselves and understand the need for stimulation on every level; therefore, banking on a killer venue was not their sole gimmick. Of course we got fashion and yes we got music…but how about an “impromptu” Broadway-esque dance performance in the middle of the lobby as we waited between shows! Completely unexpected and slightly over the top, it was fabulous!
The absence of celebrity backed lines so prominent at the now defunct Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was definitely an attribute nobody on this side of town missed. Rather, the line-up was strictly reserved for L.A.’s up and comers, who may not be household names at this point, but are clearly destined for success.
For instance, Sjobeck, a line offering “laidback luxury” and proudly American made garments, began their show by crediting the inspiration for their Fall 2009 collection to their grandfather, who was sitting in the audience topped in conspicuous cowboy hat. Lights dimmed and the drums began…a divinely attired Native American musician accompanied a dancer fitted in full hawk feathers; this was not just a fashion show, but a spiritual journey. A shirtless male model opened the show, his ripped body complimenting the dark blue jeans perfectly – but this line, known for its denim and knits, threw some lovely wovens into the mix. Particularly standing out were the dresses, short baby doll silhouettes, one with patch pockets on the rear adding an element of surprise and a touch of whimsy. The look was earthy, relaxed and practical – and in this market those are three qualities which will actually sell clothes.
Unfortunately, I missed the previous two days of Boxeight shows, but next season I plan to fully partake in the plethora of freshness offered by this group. Who says we need a big corporate sponsor anyway…power to the people and power to the indie, change has indeed come.
Photos by Eric Richardson
