L.A. Fashion Week Spring '09: Rojas
The Rojas boutique on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles is a go-to for outfitting neon club kids that spend their nocturnal hours busting moves on the dance floor. Those rhythm-blessed fans turned out to Rojas’ Spring ’09 fashion show at BoxEight Oct. 19, and in a spirit emblematic of the brand, they turned the back aisles into a dance party before the runway show. Designer Freddie Rojas delivered his trademark streetwear flavor, sprinkled with ’80s throwbacks. He interpreted the sweetheartneck bodice and gathered miniskirt silhouette in different forms—a dress, peplum top and high-waist skirts. The volume was kept up with highwaist miniskirts that were pleated and draped to exaggerate the hips. The bright palette added a funkified twist to easy shapes such as a preppy shirt dress in a vibrant turquoise plaid fabric and an A-line skirt rendered in a multicolor ikat stripe. Rojas showed his softer side with a group of hand-painted crinkle-silk-chiffon tops that were styled with the sturdy sportswear. The bleeding watercolor blots on transparent and weightless coverups befitted the show’s “Iridescent Dreams” title. —Rhea Cortado
