Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall I 2003: Paul Hardy

Canadian designer Paul Hardy made his U.S. debut April 2 at the Downtown Standard Hotel with a show he characterized as “earthy and primitive.”

Hardy featured plenty of earth tones and heavy looks with off-the-shoulder cashmere sweaters, chocolate suede pantsuits and asymmetrical knit tops. But he also showed that fashion from the North isn’t all about bundling up with a collection of silk taffeta tops that he layered over full-length dresses.

Hardy, who is only in his second season, said he chose Los Angeles to make his U.S. debut because of its growing fashion influence and strong casual market.

“It’s all about wearability and being functional and practical,” he said. —R.M.