Spring ‘05 fashionweek took off on Monday as Enyce/Lady Enyce blazed the catwalk with super-fly casuals. Striped with Enyce’s soon-to-be signature tri-color detailing, the collection was refreshing in bold color combinations and radiating rainbow flirt trim that accented the back pockets and hemlines.

Denim debuted with bellow pockets and triple needle stitched construction in shades of indigo that were bleached, stonewashed and lightly sandblasted. For men, Enyce offered dark stonewash accompanied by a reved up, revamped cotton knit rugby shirt in multiple shades of baby blue and lime green.

The collection has created a new standard in Los Angeles’ day wear by overhauling the mainstream oh-so-tired velour jumpsuit, as well as crisp linens in pale shades of green and orange. Cowl neck halters were vibrant in yellows, blacks and whites with matching denim jeans. Sunglasses, hoop earrings and striped carry-on luggage continued the well-presented theme of going on a holiday in comfort, with fresh laid back urban style.

Popularity: 83% [?]

The denizens of L.A. have long been anaesthetized by years of Hollywood fashion, cowed by the local celebrity culture into believing that middle-of-the-road glamour is the height of taste. There is one store in L.A. that is attempting to change that by bringing L.A. up to date with the international fashionistas.

Fendi Paige, a new store located on the Sunset Strip (a skip away from the trendy hipster hotel The Standard), is a fashion Mecca for those who are sick and tired of the banality of L.A. fashion scene. Spurning the tendency of L.A. store buyer’s to stock up on the safest and most conservative designs by various designers, Elliot Tommy, the owner of the store believes in introducing adventurous shapes, colors and fabrics to the fashion illiterates of Babylon. Take the example of their Helmut Lang collection. Now the last time I checked at the supposedly fashion forward stores such as Barneys, or Maxfield, I could only find a bunch of anonymous black suits. Granted they are Helmut Lang, but I swear they are the lowest common denominator version of his distinctive style. In contrast Fendi Paige stocks up on many of Lang’s more daring utility-chic design for both men and women. Indeed, many of the pieces by various designers such as Gaultier, Versace and Montana could only be found here in the store. The store also stocksmany new designers such as exte, Lavon Meridien, and Joe Inferno.

Fendi Paige also has an in-store line called Sfazo, designed by Elliot Tommy in collaboration with his partners in Milan. I particularly admire his line of colorful neo-vintage shirts for men, done in sheer hi-tech synthetics with retro-seventies prints. The fabric has a good drape, but is deceptively light. I am just not sure how they would go down in a town where straight men dress like sparrows and gay men look like casualties from the International Male catalogue. For the less adventurous but subtly chic, Sfarzo also does a line of elegant suits done in fabrics subtle blends of natural fibers and synthetics.

The women’s wear collection could be similarly divided into two categories, in line with the spirit of the schizophrenic Nineties, whereby maximalism and minimalism not only coexist but reign happily over the fiefdom of fashion. I liked the line of simple shift-and-knee-length-coat combos done in an interesting linen/synthetic blend, that reads as wool from the distance, without the accompanying weight. There is also a more flamboyant line done in bright prints and metallics: colorful trousers in cotton and lycra, sheer-on-solid dresses—very sexy, very Italian.

Elliot Tommy is optimistic about introducing the cutting edge to LA, but he believes that it is going to take several years before L.A. is going to be on par with fashion capitals such as Milan or New York. He compares it to the way in which the colorful prints of Versace were being received when its first came out. The shock of the new eventually became a trademark style which people would recognize and appreciate. In the same way, he believes, the denizens of L.A. will acclimatize themselves to the sensibilities of international fashion, and wean themselves off of their parochial fashion habits. I think L.A fashionistas should cancel their plane tickets to New York. They can save themselves from an expensive and buttock-numbing flight to Gotham, because they can now satiate their fashion cravings locally. Between you and me, I have actually reconsidered flying to Montreal for my monthly fix at Le Creteurs, my favorite fashion haunt of the moment.A word of the store d*cor: Unlike most of the local high-end fashion stores that equate sterile modernist interiors with taste, Elliot Tommy adopts an eclectic maximalist approach to his interiors. Animal and Italian Baroque prints are juxtaposed with dramatic effect, and the basement has a lounge area for clients to sit down for a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine, while they pontificate over their next fashion acquisition.

I would like to say “Bon Apetit,” but since fashion is an adventure in itself, maybe I should, instead, say “Bon Voyage.”

Fendi Paige is located at 7445 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood CA 90044

by by grace quek

Popularity: 6% [?]

Knock, knock, it’s Epoch(E-pock). When Epoch is in the house, the party has just started! The hottest D.J.’s have been spinning in style these days! Epoch has been clothing celebs such as Black Eyed Peas, Stone Temple Pilots and The Crystal Method since 1997. Epoch has been featured with spreads in Spin, Detour Magazine, Rap Pages, Sportswear International, and WWD to name a few. Epoch is definitely on the map. They are everywhere you look: Fred Segal, Urban Outfitters, Rag Factory, Rolo, need I go on? Epoch is driven to be innovative with its velcro closures and invisible zippers.

The style is so widespread. If you’re a homeboy, geek, goth, skater, whatever, Epoch can dress you! Epoch definitely lives by their words of “We embrace all and love all,” which I guess makes Epoch “The Mother Theresa of clothing!” The Epoch Mantra is to spread the 3rd eye vision of peace, love and technology through clean cuts and inspired details. These guys are deep. “Lust, love, lounge…words to shape your soul” describes Epoch’s desire to bring style to the world at large. Epoch Clothing Company, Los Angeles based men’s contemporary streetwear manufacturer carries both men and women clothing, bags, and accessories from selected young and established L.A. manufacturers featuring A Liquid Affair, Blunt bags and watches, Billykirk wristbands, Fine Clothing, and Trashbags handbags. How diverse is this? Epoch has everything you need all in one store! Make sure to stop at Epoch because they have been known to not only feature clothes that are just bangin’ but showcase the musical talent of Macy Gray, D.J. Doc Martin & Jason Bentley, plus The Supreme Beings of Leisure. Just when you thought the party was over, Epoch gives you an eyeful of visual art by Chillino & Francisco Guerrero. For a worldwide experience in just one day, hit up Epoch for your visual pleasure!

Epoch is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11a.m.-7p.m. Address: 1761 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027, just south of Franklin!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Can you handle something different?(exotic materials) Do you want to be the life of the party?(vinyl pants ) Can you deal with all eyes on you?( Leopard Print Hot pants) If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then you’re ready for the Nine Deep Crew! Can you kick it? Nine Deep clothing line is all about being different, having fun, and demanding attention with its funky non-conformist style club gear. The clothing line features fuzzy wuzzy, comfy, animal prints in blue, pink, zebra and whatever color you can imagine, Nine Deep has it. The ladies are sure to be noticed with the bright colors, psychedelic shirts, sexy hot pants, flame undergarments, plus little tops held together with very little strings. Did I mention Nine Deep’s pink wigs, glittered cowboy hats, and glittery nail polish to accesorize? Do you really think the guys can handle the ladies in red vinyl hot pants bumping and grinding on the dance floor? Not only will the ladies be in pimped out gear, but the fella’s will be on point to. With Nine Deep’s texturized leopard print shirts in every color, men’s vinyl pants (powder blue,red, yellow, bronze), even leopard shorts the ladies will want to get a feel of what the fabric feels like of course! No wonder nine-deep has commanded the attention from several of L.A.’s hottest up and coming bands, professional snowboarders, and high profile radio personalities. Who’s not going to want to follow a club promoter to the hottest club in 9-deeps pimped out gear? For a fun time in fly gear, Nine Deep is definitely the spot to shop, because it’s like being in a candy store for fashion! Stop by and let them know that digitalrunway.net sent you!

Check out 9 Deep on the web at

http://www.9deep.com

Popularity: 5% [?]

Here is one hint for you: Low waisted
Second hint: Sexy
3rd hint: Colorful

Have you got a clue of what I’m talking about? It’s Clue Clothing coming straight at you! We checked out a runway show for 976 Clue Clothing recently at a hot spot in Hollywood where music and fashion is the scene! Be there or be square!

Models graced the runway with low-waisted, fitted pants in deep red, gold, and shimmery denim. If you have a figure and an amazing tummy which you aren’t afraid to show off then these pants are definitely a must have!

Models strutted their stuff in black shimmery halter jumpsuits which stunned the crowd! When the music started to rock, the crowd went crazy over the studded, tight fitted, sleeveless, tanks with studs and tiny tops that were barely there held by a simple string, which pointed to a v in the front which was totally hot and did I mention backless?! Have you noticed that skin is in? Barely there tops worn together with low waisted pants could cause temperatures to rise!

Rock and Roll is here to stay baby and if you have a clue of what’s in then look for the 976 Clue label which is featured in several popular stores near you!

WARNING: Wearing Clothes From 976 Clue Clothing May Cause A Whole Lot Of Attention!

Popularity: 5% [?]

models: Shantelle & Eden Athene photography by Steve Diet Goedde

Do you ever get the urge to rock? Well let me take you shopping on Melrose so you can get a feel of how it is to be a rock star! “Rock is a lifestyle, it’s here I am and if you don’t like it then f**k you!” (quoting loosely from Almost Famous.) Ah, what it feels like to be admired…

If you want to be “The Hot B**ch”, Melrose is your first shop stop! I mean with all of the trendy clothing, you’ll definitely be hot stuff! First of all, the rules to rock by is to take notice of the parking situation! Parking in L.A. is so “CRAZY,” so make sure you read the parking signs at least 2 or 3 times to make sure you don’t get a ticket! I mean, a ticket from the meter maids can be hell, because who wants to go shopping, get cute clothes, spend a lot of money, feel guilty for spending, then find a red & white envelope on the windshield with a big fat parking ticket! As if, who wants to spend more money, especially if it’s not on another cute outfit?

It’s so cool to people watch on Melrose, everyone seems to have a style of their own and they’re not afraid to flaunt it! Whether it’s punk, hip-hop, hippies, whatever, Melrose has it all! Melrose is very multi-cultural, extremly diverse and that’s totally why I can appreciate this Saturday afternoon stroll! Melrose has so many stores, restaurants, bars, clubs, there is just so much to do in a day!

The theme today seems to be a whole lot of Rock & Roll in a lot of the stores! I found a lot of shirts which said “Rock Star, KISS, Rock, etc. Then there were a lot of shirts that were studded, some with big red lips, the tongue from KISS or with a guitar! The colors were silver, gold, shimmery, bold, and very glitzy! There were animal prints everywhere! Pants that are frayed at both the waist and at the bottom of the pants seem to be a hot item in almost every store, a definite must have! There’s no place like Melrose! Melrose has clothes for people who like to show off, make a statement, and be whoever they dare to be! Melrose has clothes that are just way different from department stores like in a mall! Plus Melrose has cool music playing in a lot of the stores!

Melrose sets itself apart from big shopping malls because first of all it’s outdoors, so you can enjoy a sunny day! Secondly, the clothes are just bold! Third, if you want to be different this is the place to be! Fourth, you can truly get a great bargain here and still look like a million bucks! Melrose totally has a style of its own and I’m proud to call it my second home because I’m there faithfully!

So long for now, I’m off to get ready for the big event, the party tonight! The boys are totally going to be scoping us out because of the hottie outfits we purchased, brilliant! Thanks Melrose, you are my shopping dream come true, therefore I will always be faithful to you!

Melrose Registry

Popularity: 6% [?]

photos by Nathan Gates

A bemused audience tottered out after Pierre Garroudi buzzed New York with the kind of fashion show it rarely sees. We’d watched in amused wonder - and the occasional averted eye - as bare bosoms and perky nipples peeked through dresses that were, quite literally, made of slits, and also as men’s pant flaps folded forward to reveal bare bubble buttock cheeks (oh, joy!). At one point we were treated to lewd gyrations; the kind you’d give your last laundry quarter to see at an 8th avenue peepshow!

Twice a year, hordes of fashion people descend upon New York to revel in an orgy of clothing, catwalks, and champagne. This is what is called the New York Fashion Week, and we natives get high on the excitement- dizzy with the barrage of skinniness that abounds. Skinny. Skinny. Skinny.

I, intrepid trend reporter that I am, braved the rabid throng and infiltrated the enclosure to get a little insight into that world. Truth be told, there was no ingenuity required when, filled with vast amounts of self importance, I was waived through security at the entrance of “The Loft” at Bryant Park, ostentatiously indicating my R.S.V.P’d (possibly V.I.P’d!) invite to the only! designer show I got one to. It was at the hands of Pierre Garroudi that I caught a glimpse of the divine madness that is this business.

Originally from Iran, Pierre worked as a hairdresser in Paris for six years before moving to New York - the centre of all things and the universe. He settled into fashion design after working at retail, doing a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and even selling clubwear out of his first shop in Chelsea. His ambition has led him to the glamour of runway shows and a wholesale facility for interested retailers other than his own signature boutique, now on Thompson Street in Soho.

Should a custom made dress be required within 24 hours, his is the talent I would recommend. He works closely with his clients, finding inspiration in a magazine tear of their choice, a hastily scribbled sketch, or even a favoured, tatty garment, rescued from the moth ridden recesses of ancient storage. Pierre’s Spring 2001 Mens/Womens line showed a bold change from his usual ultra-feminine, fluidly draped pieces. This year had a very retro-futuristic (fashion-speak, sweetie!) influence with a lot of architectural seaming, combining the stylistic naivete of early seventies cult t.v. space-age films and a couple of porno flicks from the same era.

The effect was deliciously lewd and witty, emphasised when the audience was given programmes onto which every outfit was listed/christened with a delightfully lascivious bent. What was described as a “Chelsea Boy dream come true” white ruffle tee, turned out to be an alarmingly explicit, form-fitting all-in-one with an opening at the crotch from which the model (to sighs of relief and raucous applause) pulled out a banana and proceeded to peel and eat it. There were “Viagra pants to hide the hard-ons” and “Star Trek the next of the next generation suits”, “John Holmes porno pants” and make-up straight from a Duran Duran Wild Boys video shoot….altogether faahbulous, daahlings!

-bernardinebuzabo-

www.pierregarroudi.com

Popularity: 5% [?]

NYC’s Fashion Week marked the first US showing of Parisian designer Lloyd Klein. Gracing 7th on Sixth with his Spring/Summer 2001, Lloyd Klein expands the global attention initiated from his first Paris showing in the early 90’s. He has shown his collections in Milan, Tokyo, Moscow, Sophia, Belgrade and Sydney and will continue in the US with a trunk show at the legendary MARTHA’s in Palm Beach, Florida.

To his credit he was the head designer at Gres in the mid 90’s, having mastered the Art of Gres, (a technique of draping fabric pioneered by Madame Gres.) He is now critically compared to Balenciaga and Chanel. Lloyd Klein design’s are a memoir of modernist architect. Attention to structural form and elegant silhouette - less frivolous ornamentation. He creates intensity by coupling the severe line with seductive, luxurious fabrics.

To experience more of Lloyd Klein, visit his website www.lloydklein.com.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Los Angeles, CA: Fashion Designer Tatiana Andrade says “The line is classy, but certainly loves to show a women’s silouhette & femininity!” Could this be the reason how she started out in L.A. designing for a salsa line for salsa dancers? Go figure! The Tatiana Andrade line allows flexibility to dance in, elegance, and beautifully designed to show off a fabulous figure.

Recently Tatiana’s designs have caught the eye of very popular magazines including Estylo, Sabor, and Latina Magazines which have featured her label. Pretty darn good considering she just launched her own label just 6 months ago? Need I say more?

World-Wide Traveler: Born in Ecuador South America, but growing up in Germany, Tatiana decided to make a move to New York to attend the acclaimed FIT to study fashion design. Tatiana went on to designing for such popular clothing labels such as Bill Blass of New York, Tierre Mugler, and Levi Strauss. She even moved to Madridfor 3 years to develop a line with a Spanish designer. Her recent move to L.A. began with designing a salsa line for salsa dancers! Hay Caliente!

Celebrity Sightings: The Tatiana Andrade Collection has been seen in Tinsletown worn by up & coming Actress Alex Meneses at the Hispanic Heritage Awards, David Lago/Days of Our Lives, and Nestor Carbonell/Suddenly Susan to name a few! The hit television shows Dharma & Gregg and King of Queens have purchased several of her pieces. MTV is currently checking out the line for a few upcoming specials!

Digital Runway proudly welcomes Tatiana Andrade to the internet! Please check out Tatiana’s Andrade’s website:

http://www.tatianaandrade.com

to see the lovely, colorful, and sassy line!

Popularity: 5% [?]

A SPECIAL VALENTINE BISOU LOS ANGELES - Global women’s fashion company, BISOU BISOU, joins with FORD MODELS to host a special Valentine’s Day event at BARFLY (8730 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood) benefitting the PAC chapter of CITY OF HOPE. The event runs from 7pm - 2am, with a BISOU BISOU fashion show at 9pm.

A favored designer of high-profile celebrities — CHRISTINA AGUILERA, BRITNEY SPEARS, THALIA, JESSICA SIMPSON, DESTINY’S CHILD, TARA REID, PINK, MANDY MOORE, VITAMIN C and many other artists - BISOU BISOU designer MICHELE BOHBOT will present highlighted looks from her latest collections in an energetic, hip fashion show on February 14th at Barfly.

Fresh faces from FORD MODELS’ runway and print divisions will parade for the expected gathering of 600 fashion & film industry professionals, socialites, recording artists and fellow models & actors. Hair and makeup will be provided by artisans from the famed FRED SEGAL AGENCY.
BISOU BISOU by MICHELE BOHBOT is a multi-million dollar global women’s fashion company that produces, markets and sells women’s apparel, shoes, eyewear, outerwear, lingerie and swimwear. Chief designer MICHELE BOHBOT is not only the creative force behind the company’s fourteen annual collections, she is also the loving and active mother of seven children. MICHELE BOHBOT attributes her mental and artistic stamina to the rigorous practice of yoga, of which she is a licensed instructor. Each trend-driven collection is carefully crafted using the finest custom textiles and design innovation. The result is an ongoing series of stylish collections that address the overall wardrobe needs of today’s independent woman. CITY OF HOPE, founded in 1913, today consists of 300 volunteer chapters throughout the U.S. It is one of the largest providers of free and subsidized care in California, having granted a staggering $88 million in such care to patients in 1999 alone.

CITY OF HOPE specializes in programs of scientific research, medical education and patient care concerning major diseases with its primary focus on cancer research and treatment. The organization is anchored by the National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, both located in Los Angeles. The brilliant scientists and physicians working at CITY OF HOPE research centers are committed to discovering new treatments for several major illnesses and share the result of their findings with hospitals and fellow physicians around the world. Revolutionary treatments and breakthroughs in the field of medicine have been developed and refined with funding generously donated by CITY OF HOPE’s contributors. The ground-breaking technology today known as bone marrow transplantation was first pioneered at CITY OF HOPE’s National Medical Center; the institution’s research scientists synthesized human insulin, the first bio-tech product, which is used by more than half of the world’s diabetics in allowing them to live a normal and active life; and CITY OF HOPE’s scientists and physicians also created human growth hormone, with a myriad of medical uses today.

Popularity: 4% [?]