Directives West's 'How To Do L.A.'
How does one “do” Los Angeles? That was the question that Directives West, a Los Angeles-based retail consulting firm, declared the answer to on Oct. 7 with a Spring 2003 trend presentation titled “How To Do L.A.” The runway show, which highlighted key trends in the junior, contemporary and swimwear markets, was held in the California Market Center’s Fashion Theater for retailers and buyers attending the Oct. 7–10 Junior & Contemporary Market.
Categories including “Free Spirits,” “Globe Trotters,” “Romantic Bohemian” and “Fashion Tribes” offered a variety of looks to cover the bases for that California casually cool style, whether the high school hipster or the cocktailing coed. Decorated and embellished denim bottoms (the Los Angeles staple) paired with crochet tanks, pretty camis, feminine tops or ethnic tunics came in countless variations. Midlength dresses and pretty blouses with multicultural touches and details were offered with belted, striped or comfy linen pants. Romantic, layered chiffon dresses and vintage-esque scarf skirts were offered with simple knit tops and tanks.
Menswear was addressed in “He-She,” a segment featuring tailored silhouettes including body-conscious suitings with a youthful flair.
For safariing through the city’s concrete jungles, one cannot be without cargo pants (and cargo pockets in general). An overall military influence has invaded pants, skirts (especially cute on minis) and shorts. Versions came basic, as in long or cropped cargo pants worn with a simple top or tee, to not so basic, including offerings ranging from satin or sweat versions to ruffled miniskirts worn with crisp shirtings.
Sports fans and jock junkies will certainly win their game this season as athletic and varsity looks reached high scores. Zip-up hoodies, midriff-baring fleece tops, numbered muscle tees or striped polo shirts and halters were teamed with sporty drawstring pants, skirts and little shorts, covering all the bases of sexy sweats.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” summed up the swimwear category, but styles ranged from safari looks, including everything from animal prints trimmed with fringe to neutral solids on basic silhouettes, to tropical and Latin influences, with offerings ranging from bright colors, bold prints, flower and fruit appliqueacute;s to Spanish-style embroideries, to hippie tie-dyes and floral prints.
The show ended with a video and fashion finale featuring Los Angeles-based Authentic Fitness’ look back on swimwear styles of yesteryear from Cole of California and highlights from its present-day junior and contemporary swimwear collections. —Joselle Yokogawa
