Lauren Elaine – Unmasked, Fall/Winter 2011

Lauren Elaine’s Fall/Winter Runway show was held at Castle Antiques in North Hollywood. The invite read: Masks and cocktail attire strongly suggested. Some people bought masks, like myself, while the more artistic individuals (J.) made theirs.

Guests sipped on wine while mingling amongst a collection of 18th – mid 20th Century European antiques, some of which were part of a silent auction held to benefit Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter – a group that cares for and helps find homes for 3,000 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals every year. We happened to meet Phoebe Rose, a fashionable little pug that has her own blog. Phoebe and her handler, Sheila Appleby Williams, frequently attend fashion events and fund-raisers for animal rescue organizations.

The 26 year old designer, Lauren Elaine Edelson, always puts a lot of thought into her shows, as they typically have some sort of theme and usually benefit a local charity. Tonight’s show promised a “Theatrical Presentation” and it began with the company’s latest campaign video, which featured models in masks and gowns. Upon completion of the short, the lights dimmed and a masked ballerina tip-toed onto the runway; thus, signaling the start of the show. The presentation was broken into three acts. The first featured one shoulder mini dresses, the second a variety of pieces that were a departure from her usual offerings. One of which was a lace cami paired with knee-length satin Capri pants, which I really liked. And, the third act focused on special occasion gowns.

The dresses, which were made from lace, brocade, and satin were embellished with pearls, tulle, and ruffles. One of the gowns was finished with black feathered shoulders. The fabrics were inspired by Lauren’s recent trip to Venice, Italy. Lauren designed a number of dresses for the chic uptown girl to wear to the prom or a debutante ball. For the final act the models dropped white rose petals along the runway – paving the way for the grand finale presentation of the wedding gown in which the muse, Kiersten Brada, in turn dropped a handful of red rose petals onto the catwalk.



Narrative by Nikki Neil, Photos by J.