L.A. Designers Go Vintage for a Cause

Richard Tyler is one of several Los Angeles designers who will display their ability to create thrift store chic at the second annual Vintage L.A.—Fashions for the Future benefit fashion show set for April 27 at the Museum of Neon Art in downtown Los Angeles.

The event, sponsored by the Salvation Army, will raise funds and awareness for Alegria, a facility in downtown Los Angeles for homeless and low-income families living with HIV/AIDS.

This year’s event will feature one-of-a-kind creations designed by Tyler, Eduardo Lucero, Corey Lynn Calter, Estevan Ramos, Petro Zillia, Jared Gold, Monique Lhuillier and Shawn by Yohanna Logan.

For the show, the designers get to scour local Salvation Army stores and search through an armada of clothing racks for vintage items to rework in their own personal style. The fashions will be on display on the runway, and then attendees will be invited to shop a designer boutique of clothes donated by the designers as well as designer-picked second-hand clothing donated by the Salvation Army.

“It’s amazing to see the designers go into thrift stores like kids in a candy store and then transform these clothes into something of their own style,” said Sheri Helmers, who is co-producing the event with partner Jeff Declos.

Designwise, there are no rules. “If they want to take a drape and turn it into a stunning outfit, that’s great. We leave it up to their creative juices,” Helmers said, adding that one of last year’s fashion hits was a men’s boxy tweed overcoat that designer Estevan Ramos turned into a halter top and miniskirt.

Los Angeles contemporary designer Calter, who is joining the show for the first time this year, said she decided to take part in the show because she liked the idea of an artistic collaboration for a good cause. “A lot of designers can compete in something that is not competitive; it’s just about doing what you like to do and having fun for a good cause,” she said.

Organizers say the event is getting support from many in Los Angeles’ fashion industry, including the Coalition of Los Angeles Designers, the California Fashion Association and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, all of whom are assisting in the show’s production. Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon will host the show, and Academy Award–winning actress Margaret O’Brien is honorary event chair.

The fashion show will be held at 1 p.m. Tickets for the event are $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10 and must be purchased before April 22. For more information, call (310) 802-0797. —Claudia Figueroa