Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Both Hedi Slimane and Céline have crafted love letters here. Just about every cult-fave French label has or is in the process of opening a boutique here. Now, a handful of NYFW designers have produced collections inspired by here. Has California officially become fashion's go-to capsule of cool?
Although the West Coast has been a longtime motivation for hometown heroes like Rodarte (they presented a Death Valley-driven range back in 2010), the West Coast love really picked up last year, when Slimane unveiled his somewhat controversial "California grunge" collection for Saint Laurent fall 2013. A few days later, we learned that Michael Kors' digital fabric prints for spring were snapped at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This fashion week season, designers like Tommy Hilfiger (above) are continuing the trend in a major way.
Band of Outsiders. Image via @pieraluisa/Instagram.
In addition to Hilfiger's "Melrose to Malibu" spring 2014 filled with beachy neoprene, LA's own Band of Outsiders saluted our city with a runway that featured a life-sized Hollywood sign. Designer Scott Sternberg explained that his Griffith Park hikes with Vogue's Lisa Love were a significant influence.
J.Crew. Image via Getty.
Over at J.Crew our sister site Racked National showcases how womenswear designer Tom Mora was "dreaming of the California coast and European beaches" when he created his interpretation of spring. Rather than go the boho route that the best coast is normally tied to, J.Crew's bold-hued collection offers all the relaxed silhouettes, funky prints and high-low styling that our local stylesetters continue to reach for. We can't wait to see what designer turns to Cali next.
· The New J.Crew Showed Up for Spring 2014 [Racked Nat'l]
· Today's Rodarte Show Was a Little Rihanna, A Lot '90s [Racked]
· Saint Laurent Salutes Cali Grunge at Paris Fashion Week [Racked]
· This Michael Kors Print Was Snapped at Beverly Hills Hotel [Racked]