L.A. Fashion Week Fall '05: Karanina
Using a base of culturally inspired prints, Karanina designers Kara Smith and Nina Firestone breathed new life into the bohemian trend March 20 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.
The 24-year-old native Angelenos took the theme from head to toe, with tunics, jerseys, skirts, dresses and pants. The opening look, a velvet bolero over a jersey bodysuit and rich chiffon patchwork skirt, illustrated the designers’ refined edge, a step up from the basic peasant top and jeans.
Other sophisticated touches included jacquard jackets and pleated and shirred dresses. For a slightly dressed-down look, the designers offered button-up chiffon tops featuring busy prints in blue, purple and bronze, as well as black velvet capris. There was also a smattering of halter dresses, wrap dresses and butterfly tops.
The palette featured mostly rich lilacs, coppers and ruby reds, but there were some deviations, including a pearl-colored embroidered jacquard jacket. Although made for Fall, the looks were willowy with a global appeal. —Robert McAllister
