Skin.Graft Two Year Flagship Store Anniversary Party

We took a break from the fashion shows to attend the SkinGraft two-year anniversary party for its flagship store located in Downtown, Los Angeles. The label, founded by brothers Johnny and Chris Cota, started out in 2005 as an experiment in performance art-inspired fashion. The line now features ready to wear clothing for men and women in addition to ornate, one-of-a-kind pieces, both of which are can be found in the boutique. The party served as a debut for the new Spring 2011 collection and also featured closeout sales on pieces from the Fall collection. Music was provided by DJ Barry Romance and the smell of leather was in the air. It was nice to have the opportunity to view the clothing up close and fun to watch guests try things on. One girl, Alissandra, looked fabulous in a leather jacket so we had to take a picture of her in it. I hope she bought it because it was very flattering on her.

CONCEPT Fashion Week - Fall 2011, Sunday March 13th

On Sunday I was back for the final day of CONCEPT. Sadly, it seemed like some of the attendees got a little out of hand as there were now security guards watching over the art displays by The Date Farmers (Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez). The duo’s artwork is inspired by graffiti, gang culture, and their Latin heritage. The bar, which offered Pinnacle’s Cotton Candy Vodka and Three Olives’ Cherry Vodka along with an assortment of vitamin water and energy drinks, had dwindled down to an unknown brand of vodka, some wine, and 5-hour energy shots. Being that a few hundred people attended the event each night I have to give them credit for still offering beverages on day four.

LA Fashion Week: SKINGRAFT

This night ended with a stellar presentation by Skingraft. Johnny Cota, Cassidy Haley, and Katie Kay are the creative force behind this edgy underground collection. Having made its debut at Fashion Week in March 2009 Skingraft's clothing blends raw underground fashion with high-end couture. The show kicked of with a performance-art dance piece. Inspired by Amelia Earhart the collection featured aviator caps and leather harnesses. Continuing with the theme, one model came down the catwalk wearing a beautiful grey strapless dress with a full length tiered skirt and a fake bird on her shoulder. I have to say that the attention to detail was amazing, especially on the blue leather vest, the leather jackets, and military inspired coats. Another great piece was a little cocktail dress that sported a black & white leather corset and ruffle tiered skirt. However, nothing was quite as spectacular as the Alexander McQueen inspired grand finale dress. This dramatic Victorian inspired piece was adorned with a spiked leather vest, and the model marched slowly down the runway so we could all bask in its beauty.




Narrative: Nikki Neil.  Photos: J