California Apparel News

It was a creative meeting of the minds at BOXeight’s “Fashion: Refocus” event as designers collaborated with photographers to create images of their Fall 2010 collections

Le Sang Des Betes French chic photographed by Steven and Laura Duncan

On day two of the three-day photo installation event, attendees were able to go behind-the-scenes as voyeurs to the creative process. Design/photo duos participating at the March 20 event included Lloyd Klein photographed by Robert Voltaire; Eduardo Lucero shot by August Bradley; Michael Costello photographed by Ben Cope; Le Sang Des Betes shot by photo/stylist team of Steven and Laura Duncan and Lekuin photographed by Dirk Mai.

While the idea of doing a photo shoot rather than a runway show may seem like an unusual concept to some, according to Lucero a photo editorial can convey a designer’s theme often times even better than a runway show. And that is a powerful point of view from an established designer who has produced runway shows not only in Los Angeles, but in international locales such as Mexico. To help bring each designer's theme to life, some of L.A.’s top makeup artists and hair stylists collaborated throughout the event. Makeup artist Garret Gervais and his team provided the makeup direction for the three day event and the team from UNITE created unique hair concepts for each of the 14 designers.

Even with the best laid plan, the images that emerge from a shoot are always an experiment. At Fashion: Refocus, some photographers had a definite vision prior to the shoot and others such as Cope and team Duncan created on the spot. According to photographer Steven Duncan the creative process can sometimes have a life of its own. “We were totally open, we had no idea what to expect,” he said. “I’ve learned if you make too many plans ahead of time it always goes out the window anyway,” he added. Together with his wife and stylist Laura, the photo/styling duo incorporated a French aesthetic into Le Sang Des Betes signature architectural look. Lace body suits and exquisite hats by Laura Kranitz added a romantic boudoir feeling to the shoot.

For Lloyd Klein’s stylist Alejandro Peraza, the challenge was to convey a futuristic “Robocop” feeling to Klein’s elegant draped gowns and sophisticated tailored suits. Pewter jewelry by Avant Garde merged with earthy colors of stone, midnight blue and wine. Photographer Robert Voltaire kept the background clean to convey the elegance of each piece. Altogether Klein's team created approximately six images including a range of suits, jumpsuits and gowns.

While Klein focused on just a handful shots, Lucero created an ambitious twenty looks on three different models. Lucero’s elaborate African-Victorian theme was executed on two sets - a clean white cove and a shimmering gold and silver backdrop. His collection told the story of a woman from Victorian times who travels to Africa with her husband. After his unfortunate passing, she takes on a life with the tribes in Africa. The collection merged the softness of Victorian era with a warrior-like tribal strength. The look was modern, but focused on the tradition of hand craftsmanship. Lucero said he wanted the girls to feel beautiful in his clothes.

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from each collection of the evening.

Steven Duncan shoots Le Sang Des Betes

Duncan's shot via the computer.

Laura Duncan styles the shoot.

Eduardo Lucero prepares a model for the camera.

Eduardo Lucero and his Victorian-meets-African muses.

A glamorous gown by Eduardo Lucero.

L.A. Models was a key sponsor for the event.

An elegant gown by Lloyd Klein.

Former model Lesa Amoore gives direction on set.

Lekuin photographed by Dirk Mai.

A packed house at BOXeight.

The finishing touches.....

A screen shot of a Michael Costello gown photographed by Ben Cope.

The elegant full length version.

A gorgeous screen shot of Ben Cope's photography.