warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Concept LA Fashion Week: Mike Vensel

Nicole Shoohed |
October 18, 2010 | 9:48 p.m. PDT

Deputy Entertainment Editor

The historic Spring Arts Tower in Downtown LA’s historic district welcomed Concept Fashion Week, which took place October 14-17. 

Mike Vensel presented the second show on October 15, transforming the room into an exotic savannah. His Spring 2011 Collection, themed “crown cheetah”, is inspired by primitive Africa. Everything, including the fabrics, color palette, runway designs and music, exuded an exotic atmosphere. 

Mike Vensel (Nicole Shoohed)
Mike Vensel (Nicole Shoohed)

Mike Vensel’s contemporary styles are luxurious, minimalist and elegant. His newest collection draws from African silhouettes and explores new ways of dressing for hotter climates using eco-friendly and natural materials. 

The collection expands on shapes found in nature, combining practicality and function with sensuality. 

Vensel uses silk chiffons, raw leather, organic cotton and bamboo rayon blends; his color palette is relatively neutral with pure whites, creams, blacks, charcoals and royal blues in a variety of styles. 

Many of the stylistic components were adapted from and deconstructed from elements found in nature, including the tear duct patterns on a cheetah's face, the iconic zebra print, and the rough treatment of the leather. 

While the collection lacked great stylistic range, it nonetheless displayed elegant and ready-to-wear pieces for a myriad of occasions. 

Adding to the theme of African primitivism, dirt was poured on the floor of the runway, enhancing the ambiance.   

Aside from the runway shows, three other collections—KITTINHAWK, Valerj Pobega and n-frastructure—displayed their new collections in a more abstract style. These designers exhibited their designs in gallery form. 

Models lined the upstairs and guests could walk around the rooms and observe the clothes very much like sartorial works of art. Valerj Pobega had the most comprehensive and eye-catching collection, incorporating leather, ruffles and lace into the designs. 

Reach Deputy Entertainment Editor Nicole Shoohed here



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.

 
ntrandomness