Melissa Mercedes in green gown, with models wearing Satori. Photo by Andrew Asch

Melissa Mercedes in green gown, with models wearing Satori. Photo by Andrew Asch

FASHION

Melissa Mercedes Debuts Satori

Designer Melissa Mercedes presented her first solo fashion installation at Blnk East art gallery in Los Angeles’ hip Echo Park section on Feb. 29.

Mercedes showed more than 15 curvy and plus-size eveningwear looks for a collection called Satori, which means "enlightenment" in Japanese. The word fits the collection because the market needs to be enlightened, Mercedes said. “Not all women fit in a size zero. We need to focus on women being comfortable,” she said.

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Photo by Andrew Asch

Satori’s looks included a black velvet cat suit, which featured a black taffeta bow that transformed into a large train. Other looks included a fuchsia blazer pantsuit, a red sequined gown with crisscross string detail around the neckline, as well as a gold silk two-piece pajama-style suit. Sizes for Satori range from 8 to 28. The gowns will be sold on the designers’ direct-to-consumer channel melissa-mercedes.com

VIPs in attendance included actress Jessica Garcia of Netflix drama On My Block and Monica Cargile, a stylist. The event was produced by Style Barre and styled by Jamar Hart. April Love Pro Make-Up Academy served as an event sponsor. Dama Tequila provided drinks.

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Photo by Clint Schwabedissen

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Photo by Clint Schwabedissen

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Photo by Clint Schwabedissen

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Photo by Clint Schwabedissen

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Photo by Clint Schwabedissen