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Concept Day Two: Chanteuse Lingerie is Pretty and Skimpy, While Angel Johnson's Show was Pretty Skimpy

By Lisa Boosin

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  • ISM Mode
  • Another look from Elmer Ave.
  • One of Elmer Ave's models
  • Lingerie from Chanteuse

Elizabeth Daniels, 10/10

Concept emerged from last Spring's LAFW as one of the shows to be reckoned with: despite being MacGyvered together in a couple of days, the plucky show boasted a Skingraft installation and a runway show from LA up-and-comer Jen Awad. The concept behind Concept is that it brings together three runway shows and three artistic installations during each night.

This FW's Concept show was back for three whole days this weekend. They lured back Jen Awad, and even signed Project Runway alum Mila. It's a big enough deal that Women's Wear Daily was there to give the show some cred.

Saturday's show featured runway shows from Angel Johnson and Fremont, and installations from Chanteuse Lingerie, Elmer Ave. and ISM Mode. Because a third designer dropped out at the last minute and created a big gap in the schedule -- Angel Johnson's show started at 6:30 and the Fremont show was scheduled for 9, we only stuck around for Angel Johnson.

Unless you're a lingerie model who spends most of your life on the set of an MTV video, you'd be hard-pressed to call the line wearable. Lots of short-shorts, lace, see-through iridescent mesh, risque cutouts?the drama factor was high; if Ms. Johnson is envisioning this line as clubwear, then she's certainly hit her mark.

The three installations offered a lot of variety. Downstairs was a quirky gothic installation showcasing Chanteuse Lingerie and some taxidermy-esque art and jewelry. The lingerie is dreamy and gorgeous; we wish there had been more of it.

Upstairs, ISM Mode had put together a hyper-retro living room and furnished it with models wearing the vintage-inspired clothing. And Elmer Ave. created a back alley to showcase their old-school punk-inspired wares.

The Angel Johnson show was what it was, but we can honestly say we would have liked to have seen more on display in the installations. It was hard to get a feel for either Elmer Ave. or ISM Mode, based on the very small number of looks we were able to see. Chanteuse Lingerie is a brand we're already familiar with, and it would have been great for them to show everyone else more proof of how exquisite the lingerie is.
· All LAFW Coverage [Racked LA]