L.A. Fashion Week Spring '04: Tyler and Richard Tyler Couture

There are a few things you can expect at a Richard Tyler fashion show: exquisite tailoring, gravity-defying gowns and a little rock ’n’ roll edge. And that’s what the crowd received at the Los Angeles designer’s runway presentation, held on Oct. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Shows L.A., for his Richard Tyler Couture line and the diffusion line Tyler.

Tyler opened with the diffusion line, showing tailored separates with low-rise trousers and shorts, flirty skirts, and jackets that were both boxy and lean. There were also fluid jersey dresses with twisted halter necklines or the merest strip of strap holding them up. For his couture line, the designer showed elegant gowns in wrapped jersey, crisp silk organza and layered chiffon.

But the designer also showed off his romantic side, placing sweet, pale floral prints on dresses, flowing skirts and bandeau tops in the Tyler collection. There was also a Gothic look to the organza and ribbon corset top and pleated chiffon miniskirt in the couture collection.

Tyler showed some men’s pieces, including a few slim-fitting tuxedos in the couture line. For the men’s diffusion line, the designer offered an urban mod look with pale plaid suits and separates, floral shirts, and a pin-tucked boxy leather jacket in teal green. For the rock stars, there was an embroidered velvet coat worn with a turquoise tuxedo shirt and black satin jeans.

Alison A. Nieder