Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall '06: David Meister
Designer David Meister used the element of surprise to his best advantage at his first show March 23 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. Eschewing spectacle, Meister instead opted to let the focus fall on his impeccably edited and gimmick-free collection.
That’s not to say there weren’t thrills. Meister’s designs—from a plaid cocoon coat to a siren-red stretch satin gown—drew gasps from the audience. Clever and sophisticated, the collection included washed wool coats cinched tight at the waist and a black tissue jacquard bubble dress. Meister played with volume, showing bubble skirts and balloon sleeve tops over black leggings. A mottled gray sweater with a billowy shape and a banded bottom touched on the same theme.
“It’s all very tailored, very menswear inspired,” said Meister, whose label is part of Kellwood Company’s West Coast operations in City of Industry, Calif. He also showed slimmer silhouettes in the form of a peach silk blouse paired with a pencil skirt, a shrunken skinny tuxedo and an ivory cashmere tunic worn over leggings.
A collection of evening dresses brought a hit of color to the collection. A strapless red gown in stretch satin and a garnet gown with tiny straps were spare and clean. —Erin Barajas
