CLAD
The Coalition of Los Angeles Designers (CLAD) made its impression in a club atmosphere at Los Angeles’ Racer Photography Studios on Nov. 6 for the Spring 2002 preview of Coco Kliks, Eisbar, Hipster G, Nikolaki, Rojas, St. Vincent and Mrs. Weir, Standard + Riche, Talking to Angels, TEN: 02 and Ynnub.
The evening began with a packed house in the converted studio, with a hosted bar featuring energy drink Red Bull mixed with vodka as the mainstay cocktail.
The designers began the show against a white wall at the back of the studio, with each designer’s name projected over the models’ heads. For the benefit of the onlookers in the back of the studio who could not see across the room and over the crowd, the show was simulcast against the opposite wall. The portion of the crowd in the balcony of the studio, which was mostly VIP, could catch a view of the show on either side of the room or by leaning over the balcony to catch one side or the other.
The crowd responded well to all the designers, but there were some notable highlights: the lingerie designs of Hipster G; the sexy, revealing garments of Rojas, which made the men all pause; the manly sportswear of Eisbar, which gave a number of women pause; and the family portraits of St. Vincent and Mrs. Weir, which delighted the audience, giving the impression that they were genuine family poses.
Immediately following the show, the club vibe continued for the crowd—a mixture of media, buyers and other designers. —Darryl James
