Capping off an exciting LA Fashion Week (which is spilling into LA Fashion month), Friday evening I made my way over to Rock Fashion Week and the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Friday’s lineup was kicked-off by a beautiful new collection by Tristan+Trista (not to be confused with male stripper Tristan Tristar, thanks Google). Created by Los Angeles designer Kristine Megrikian, Tristan+Trista’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection offers an inspiring mix of sophisticated ready-wear, fitted jackets and trench coats with sexy reveals and draping.
I was impressed by the story that seemed to resonate at the core of the show, and I’m always excited by lines that can apply its thought process in the construction and the way a design moves down the runway. Moody tones of grey, charcoal, crème and camel gave the show an unusual palette for Spring/Summer, but its simplicity and forward-thinking structure seems to appeal to our taste regardless of season. I could imagine grabbing at most looks that came around the corner, one for my next interview, one for the party and one for the after-party. I especially loved the undercurrent of edge, a slight air of darkness that ran through the overall presentation. It is ultra feminine no doubt, but feminine in the way strong shapes, soft fabrics and fine tailoring gives a look a definite point of view and celebrates a woman’s figure. Standouts included asymmetrical and calla collar fitted leather jackets, a layered linen baby doll dress, seductive baby alpaca knit veil front sweater and silver, sand washed silk dress with diving back drape. Megrikian mantra illustrates her need to create an atmosphere of comfort meets innovation, “I wanted to create clothing that combined both aesthetics…. There is no reason why women can’t look sexy and comfortable in fashion forward clothing. Why not let the clothing do all the work.” And isn’t that what we all want from our favorite coat? The perfect pair of jeans? We want effortless excellence that speaks for us.
To find out more about Tristan+Trista visit: www.tristanandtrista.com.
About Courtney Fortune, our LA Fashion Correspondent:
Singer-songwriter Courtney Fortune has garnered diverse fans, from Japan to Los Angeles, for her sultry and smooth voice combined with the jazz sounds of The Chris Walden Big Band. From a young age, Fortune adapted her jazz compositions, incorporating new elements from other genres. Her debut EP was hailed by Earshot Jazz Magazine, calling Fortune’s jazz technique “a textured, sultry, arrestingly mature torchsinger’s delivery.”
In 2006, Fortune won the Second Annual Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Competition, which led to performances in Japan. In November of that year, Fortune released her debut EP “Almost Home,” receiving national media coverage for the album while becoming one of six finalists for MTV’s “I Want My Music on MTV.”
For her debut album “Speak Love,” Fortune collaborated with four-time Grammy-nominated composer/arranger Chris Walden. Walden and his acclaimed Chris Walden Big Band, who have performed with Michael Bulton, Paul Anka, Tierney Sutton and others, has now incorporated Fortune’s performances into his repertoire. At 20 years old, Fortune has already performed with industry luminaries. She has performed alongside Garrison Keillor for his venerable radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” and received an award for outstanding musical achievement at USC’s 2008 Dickens Dinner, where the USC student performed for legendary hitmakers Brian Wilson and Lamont Dozier.
The dark tones of her voice transition seamlessly from jazz to folk and pop for “Speak Love,” released by Origin Records on Aug. 18, 2009. The music revitalizes and inspires loyal jazz patrons and gives depth to the current state of the pop genre. Courtney Fortune will be featured in the September issue of Glamour Magazine.
To invite Courtney to your events write to Marcy@womensmafia.com.
Courtney, what a fabulous article. It was refreshing, a breeze to read and kinda wished it kept going since it was so good. You’re great and the line is great and I cant wait to read more.