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LA Fashion Week got off to an auspicious start last night, at an event that showcased the dresses of Emily Factor, Calleen Cordero shoes, and Alex & Lee jewelry. The event, part runway show, part installation, renewed our hopes that our city could be taken seriously as a force in fashion -- by presenting work that was refined, wearable, flattering, and different enough to stand on its own.
Emily Factor's look could be described as sophisticated wood-nymph. To call it boho would be to do her work a mighty disservice. She works with whimsical prints that are both ethnic/tribal and possibly inspired by Middle Earth, but most of the pieces are well-tailored and fitted -- not a kaftan in the bunch. At their very best, with their exquisite tailoring, interesting details and unabashed femininity, the clothes remind us of recent seasons of Miu Miu or Christopher Kane. She's already in stores like Les Habitudes; prices range from $270 for a blouse to $1,200 for gowns.
Alex & Lee is a jewelry line that integrates vintage pieces and found objects to create a a full range -- some of it is demure, but many pieces look like they were inspired by some kind of wicked acid flashback. The intricate and fantastic necklaces can cost as much as $10,000.
And you probably already know that we're big fans of Calleen Cordero (her store just made our top LA shoe spots). The earthy, rough-hewn sexiness of the shoes was a nice complement to the ethereal prints; we're already planning to blow a paycheck on her distressed gold-leather, tall lace-up sandal boots.
So the bar has been set pretty high. LAFW, let's see what else you got.
· Emily Factor [Official Site]
· Alex & Lee [Official Site]
· Calleen Cordero [Official Site]