L.A. Fashion Week Fall '08: Maggie Barry for Xubaacute;z

With disparate themes that ranged from quilted-leather motocross suits to rustic leather cowboy jackets trimmed with fringe, Maggie Barry’s Fall 2008 collection for Xubaacute;z had one common thread: the designer’s signature over-the-top, exaggerated style.

Los Angeles–based Barry showed her collection on March 11 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.

Barry said she was inspired by her potpourri of clients that include Cher, David Lee Roth of Van Halen and country singer Trace Adkins. “It’s slices of Hollywood,” she said. “When we’re making something, I think it’s a visual picture.”

Barry accessorized her clothing line in collaboration with Xubaacute;z scarves by Bernt Kulhmann that feature pockets at both ends.

The character snapshots encompassed a myriad of Los Angeles’ cultural tribes anchored by musical genres. There were punky plaid suits, hole-ridden mesh rocker dresses, a 1970s silver metallic “Abba” jumpsuit, a Gothic-stripe tuxedo jacket and leather country-western jackets. Light versions of the hyper-styled ensembles—such as glittery party dresses, pin-striped suits and a chubby fur collar coat—showed more wearable versatility. —Rhea Cortado