SkinGraft and Madisonpark Collective at Style Fashion Week

The preshow party at Style Fashion Week on day three was not quite as grand as day one. There were no appetizers from El Cholo and no live band to rock the house. However, VnC Cocktails were still hosting the bar, a DJ was spinning some cool tunes, Le Posh Salon treated guests to manicures, and Brunch Butler provided a chocolate fondue station.

The first runway presentation was by Madisonpark Collective. Trey Alligood launched his menswear line in November of 2010. A year and four months later his brand made its runway debut at Style Fashion Week. The show opened with a dance performance by some very handsome men. (They also returned for a brief interlude during the runway presentation.)The collection was comprised of vintage American-inspired garments that had a rugged yet refined look. It was comfy, casual everyday wear for men with a few beach inspired pieces mixed in. (This is So. Cal after all.)Trey utilizes reclaimed military canvas, recycled cottons, and salvaged denim when creating his garments.



I was sad last October when I found out that SkinGraft would not be showing a SS2012 runway presentation. But, given that so much production goes into creating a collection I can understand why. Jonny stated that it takes him 6 months to prepare for a runway show, and SkinGraft recently showed at Paris Fashion Week so a once a year unveiling in L.A. may become the norm.

SkinGraft’s FW2012 collection was inspired by hooded storytellers ranging from ancient Buddhist monks to modern day hip-hop artists. The hooded silhouettes in the collection represented protective armor and all the models wore hooded capes, leather caps, or mesh headpieces (created by Rick Gradone). Belted vests, stretch leggings, cropped bomber jackets, and leather jackets with square-structured shoulders all made their way down the runway. Everything was stylishly layered, which showed that the pieces could easily transition from active daywear to chic nightlife club attire. Of course the best part of a SkinGraft fashion show is the grand finale. As expected, the two closing pieces were simply stunning. One was a grey floor-length evening gown with a leather bustier and feather sleeves and the other a fitted black dress comprised of large black sequins. It’s crazy that these amazing pieces are crafted in such a modest workspace.   



Narrative and photos by Nikki Neil