L.A. in N.Y.: Jeremy Scott
It would be hard to miss the Los Angeles theme in Jeremy Scott’s Spring 2003 collection, shown on Sept. 21 in Bryant Park before a buoyant crowd of hipsters. From the choice of music (lyrics: “Everyone is someone in L.A.”) to the Barbarella-inspired mini-dresses in silver, white and gold, and khaki and bronze, to the not-for-swimming or suntanning swimsuits made from strips of suede and chiffon to the watercolor-print gowns and feather-trimmed dresses, this was a collection inspired by the left coast.
Scott, who renamed his line Jeremy Scott Beverly Hills for the show, even included a shell- and pearl-trimmed bride in sequins and flowing chiffon. The viewpoint was extreme and certainly did not convey the breadth and depth of Los Angeles—that will likely develop over time—but nonetheless, the designer captured the reckless abandon of his adopted hometown.
But the collection wasn’t all one big postcard from Los Angeles. Scott hit the right tone with his kimono- and toga-draped watercolor gowns. And the feather collection ranged from outrageous—a feathered bodice dress—to lovely—a watercolor-print halter dress trimmed with a train of tiny blue feathers. The swimsuits were equally disparate. A turquoise “strip suit” garnered lascivious hoots from the crowd, but a lilac halter-top string bikini was sexy yet still very wearable on a public beach (provided the straps stayed in place).
And the accessories were just plain fun. The seashell evening bag and the pastel-colored oversize earcuffs might be too outrageous for most, but the Jeremy Scott dirigible tote could be the next hot item among fashionable insiders. —Alison N. Nieder
