Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring '05: Coco Kliks

American nostalgia and the optimism of the ’50s permeated the room as Coco Kliks debuted her second collection on Oct. 27 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.

Kliks’ Spring ’05 collection was meant to capture the carnival atmosphere of Coney Island, hot dogs sizzling on the barbecue, the anticipation of prom night and warm summer nights.

“I picked the ’50s silhouette because I wanted to reach back to a period of American history when we had a little more hope, a little more faith [and] a better positive attitude so that we can think about how far we are from that place now and maybe what we need to do to recapture that and move us back in the right direction,” said the designer.

As always, Kliks added her distinctive “Coco touch” with hand beading, embroidery, appliqueacute;s and lace trims. Standout pieces included a blue-and-white bustier paired with a red layered circle skirt, a red-and-white seersucker jacket and Bermuda pants, a hot air balloon–print strapless dress, and a light-blue “prom” suit with silver lace inserts and piping detail. —N.J.S.