Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion

Gen Art & Rock Media kicked off Rock Fashion Week L.A. with their 12th annual Fresh Faces in Fashion event at The Peterson Automotive museum presented by Plastics Make It Possible. The theme of the event was Plastics Is the New Black! in recognition of the future of plastic in fashion and design. Plastic is the latest rage on the runways from bangles to Lucite heels to clear handbags. Inside the venue three live models were on display styled in clothing & accessories that incorporated plastic in ways that were not obvious to most. Did you know that without plastic faux fur wouldn't exist and skinny jeans wouldn't stretch? In an effort to inspire creativity Plastics Makes it Possible is also hosting a contest for new and established designers to create two womenswear looks from fabrics that include plastic based fibers, such as chiffon, rayon, spandex, & microfiber. The winner will receive $10,000 and a runway show at Gen Art's Fresh Faces In Fashion event in New York, February 2010. For more info visit http://www.discover.genart.org/.

The night's line-up featured presentations by Leyendecker, Seneca Rising, MG Black, Valerj Pobega, and Rory Beca with accessories by CC Skye (handbags), Ludevine (jewelry), The Generic Man & Stampd L.A. (shoes).

Leyendecker (by Jessica Moss & Lisa Guajardo) kicked of the festivities with a presentation of casual pieces with attitude. The collection, which gave off a relaxed vibe, featured lots of deconstructive and off the shoulder pieces. The color palette centered on different shades of nude and ethnic-inspired black & white patterns. http://www.leyendeckerlosangeles.com/

Next up Andi Ballard showcased her Seneca Rising collection, which featured girly tomboy inspired pieces with a worn-in comfy look and no fuss silhouettes. The fabrics were flowy and perfect for the free-spirited individual with a youthful frame of mind. http://www.senecarising.com/

Erik Hart represented menswear with his MG Black collection. Erik not only designs men & women's clothes but also fronts the art/punk band Suicide Club. MG Black is his new line of sharply tailored men's classics with a rocker edge. Male models went down the runway in waist length trenches, nylon bombers, mid-calf rolled pants, and knee length shorts with leggings underneath. A female model sported a men's dress shirt and a pair of slim twill pants in order to showcase the versatility of Erik's designs. http://www.erikhart.com/

Alicia Lawhon was scheduled to show tonight. However, she had to cancel due to personal reasons. Valerj Pobega was picked to take her place, which worked out well because her presentation was the most memorable of the evening. Italian born Valerj Pobega designs, cuts, sews, & dyes every garment herself. Her "Bondage Collection" was a tribute of sorts to Día de los Muertos and featured models with skull like faces in bondage masks. Her Japanese inspired 1920's era meets punk creations included a deconstructed black silk kimono dress, silk charmeuse cocoon jacket, a long flapper dress, and belts with rope accents. The presentation ended with an interpretive dance by a male dancer in one of her dresses, which reflected her unique vision. http://www.valerjpobega.com/

The show concluded with Rory Beca. Designer Rory Edelman sent out a collection of youthful day to night pieces that were fun with a sophisticated twist. The line-up featured a metallic jacquard tank & sundress, a pink organza mini-skirt, floral dresses, and a silver mesh tank dress. http://www.rorybeca.com/



Narrative by: Nikki Neil  Photos by: J