Eduardo Lucero presents his Fall/Holiday 2013 Runway Collection at Candela in Los Angeles, May 30 2013.

Eduardo Lucero presents his Fall/Holiday 2013 Runway Collection at Candela in Los Angeles, May 30 2013. Photo by John Eckmier.

RUNWAY

Eduardo Lucero Fall/Holiday ’13 Runway Show

Eduardo Lucero made his return to the LA runway on May 30, presenting his first full collection in three years. The presentation, which was held at Candela restaurant on La Brea Avenue, included a cocktail party and dance routine and musical performances by Latin pop singer Alvera Deleon as well as the band 5 Senti 2.

Lucero, who had been on a hiatus due to a debilitating illness, said the show was a big deal for him. “I wanted to let people know we’re back,” said the designer, who has been creating smaller collections and serving as mentor and creative director for the fashion department at Woodbury University for the past few years. For his comeback collection, he created more than 70 pieces for the show, including those worn by the performers.

The gypsy-themed Fall collection spanned the gamut in inspiration. He pulled elements from Russian and Spanish gypsy cultures and added a hip-hop spin to create a funky, youthful edge. Lucero’s trademark gowns were sexy in see-through lace and cut-to-there décolletage. He experimented with embroidery, incorporated a barrage of leopard prints, and utilized faux fur on bolero jackets and hats.

Men’s looks were tinged with a rock 'n’ roll edge that recalled Lucero’s early days in design, such as a button-down shirt paired with leopard pants and a lace-front tunic with a matching vest and pant. He focused on accessories creating most of the looks for the show, including spats, jewelry and hats, which he plans to sell online.

“We don’t really want to be in the custom business anymore,” Lucero said. “We want to make it so people across the country will have access.” The designer will also be wholesaling the collection to boutiques.

The event also served as a launch event for Industria, a networking and mentorship program for the Latin creative community.