Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring '05: Society for Rational Dress

Designer Corinne Grassini presented her second Society for Rational Dress collection in a private runway show on Oct. 30 at Scout in Los Angeles. The hip boutique was transformed into a salon-style runway for the fashion show and cocktail party, during which press and key buyers previewed the collection.

Grassini, who had debuted her line in March during Gen Art’s “The New Garde” event, presented a much more wearable collection for Spring ’05. She said she had taken an extreme approach to her first collection but decided to go for a more marketable look this season. “I want longevity in this business,” she explained.

Grassini said she was inspired by photographer Jackie Nickerson’s book, “Farm,” which she said features images of clothing with amazing draping, interesting stains and functional characteristics.

Styles came in black, cream and gray natural fabrics, such as silk and cotton, with brown leather belts and trims. Grassini distressed fabrics to make them look used and stained others for a soft tie-dyed effect. The look was casual and functional, yet sophisticated and stylish.

Elegant in their simplicity, basic blouses and jackets were paired with shorts, skirts and pants. Cutouts, ruffles and asymmetrical lines added an avant-garde feeling. Grassini’s suede, corduroy and leather wrap boots; leather sandals; and gold leather ballet shoes completed the look. —N. Jayne Seward