THE NEXT GENERATION
Los Angeles’ future-famous designers create styles that mirror this city. The trends they reflect are imitated throughout the world. Here, some young men and women--offspring of already-famous Hollywood families--show the designs that show the way.
TIM KELLY
Son of Gene Kelly
“No, I don’t dance. I’m on the other side of the camera. I was a photographer, but I’ve just finished a screenplay and will direct two music videos next month. I love New York and Europe, but I know I’ll end up here. L.A. is where I want to live. I basically hate to shop. I wear anything that’s comfortable. If it’s comfortable, it usually looks good. I get suits for my birthday from my dad, from his girlfriend, from my girlfriend, people who want me to look good. I like this Clacton & Frinton green suit because it’s comfortable, I’ve got green eyes and I’m Irish, so how could it miss?” (center)
HILARY AND MICHAEL ANDERSON
Owners / designers, Clacton & Frinton
“We came to L.A. from London in 1979, opened the shop in 1980 and named it Clacton & Frinton after two English seaside resorts. We’ve known each other since ‘Sgt. Pepper’ was a new record (1967). Michael was a bespoke (custom) tailor in England. He cuts the patterns, and we both design the suits. Our suits are tailored with broad shoulders and full-pleated pants. Customers are mostly connected with the visual arts--directors, producers, graphic artists. We selected L.A. because everything is available and accessible here, and all things seem possible. We wanted to raise our three children here. Los Angeles is at the pulse of things and where it’s all happening right now.”
JOHN MURROUGH
Designer / co-owner, T. J. Boys
“I came here from South Africa five years ago. I was getting jaded and cynical. L.A. has changed enormously since I arrived. It’s more sophisticated. We dress differently. Things that happen in other places don’t necessarily happen in L.A.--like the new short skirts and narrow shoulders in Paris and New York. I’m aware of the trend, but this butterscotch suit, for example, has a longish, pegged skirt and broad shoulders. It’s very ‘40s, and it’s something that’s wanted right now.” (far left)
KELLY CARLIN
Daughter of George Carlin
“As a kid, my parents stuck me in the back of the Dodge Dart, and we were always on the road. Now L.A. is my main place. I’m an actress, but nine months ago, my husband, Andrew Sutton, and I opened a auto-repair shop called Automotive Enhancement in Santa Monica, and I work there too. I’m a very casual, comfortable dresser, but I enjoy dressing up. Clothing lets you play different roles. In this suit I feel very stylish and sophisticated, like a character in a movie. I love it.” (near left)
DANIEL PRADO
Designer for Changes Man by Theodore
“Some people think L.A. fashion is mainly surf or beach clothes. That’s not true. L.A. produces some of the best sportswear in the world. I try to make bodies look great in clothes. We’ll make jeans in washed linen instead of denim. We’ll put them with a silk T-shirt and maybe an enormous sweat jacket. You look relaxed, but pulled together. The suede outfit on Gregg Marx is all shape, very little detail. The bomber jacket gives a great set of shoulders.” (near right)
GREGG MARX
Grandson of Gummo Marx
“I performed on ‘As the World Turns’ for two years. That was in New York, but I came back here because I missed California and it was time to do something else. An actor’s job is to act; in a sense, to try on as many suits as possible. In real life, my wardrobe consists of jeans, Reeboks and a tuxedo. I only shop for suits if I have to and if my girlfriend will go with me. I get bored with shopping. I like this suede outfit because it’s comfortable.” (far right)
ERIC BOVY
Co-owner / designer, Eric Bovy
“I truly think the West Coast is the place to be. It’s open to all opportunities, whether in finance, art, music or fashion. All over the world, there’s a lot of emphasis on West Coast life. I came here from Paris six years ago and never went to fashion school. I was a math and physics major. I worked at Jerry Magnin’s shop and decided to be a designer in 1984, without any experience. Of course, it was a disaster. Since then I’ve learned a lot. My retail prices target the young contemporary market. But one of my partners is 60, and she wears my clothes all the time. The checked suit Astrella wears is of rayon, but it looks like wool challis. It’s very soft in texture and shape, with a pouf skirt.” (far left)
ASTRELLA AND ORIOLE LEITCH
Daughters of Donovan
Astrella: “I did a record in Italy when I was 9 or 10, and a lot of stage plays in my old school. I want to act or sing, maybe both. I dance a lot too. My favorite things are my big, baggy clown pants with a roll-down waist and a crotch that comes down to my knees. They’re of cotton T-shirt fabric, and they were the fashion in England. I like this Eric Bovy suit because it’s different. I think I’d buy it.” (left center)
Oriole: “It’s very different here than in England, and I like it better. We lived in Windsor, near the castle. It rained too much. Now we’re in Palm Springs, but we’re moving to Santa Monica. I’m learning to play the guitar, and my sister sings. I usually wear something simple, like a long, full, pink skirt and a short, cut-off top with high heels. I like the way heels look. I like Karl Logan’s narrow trousers with the fitted jacket, but I’d never wear the hat.” (right center)
KARL LOGAN
Owner / designer, Karl Logan
“I was born in Bakersfield 36 years ago and worked for probably every manufacturer in L.A. so I could learn the business. I went to L.A. Trade Tech and finished at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. I spent eight years in New York, but I’m here to stay. It’s home. I’ve had my own business for 1 1/2 years. I guess I’d call my designs spirited. I think it’s ridiculous for clothes to be really expensive. I want to make quality clothes at affordable prices. The outfit Oriole is wearing looks and feels like double-knit wool, but it’s the first one I’ve ever made of 100% synthetic fabric.” (right)
STEPHEN HAMEL
Son of Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel
“I’m a photographer with a studio on 6th Street in L.A. I shoot fashion and celebrity portraits. I recently photographed Tess Harper for Interview (magazine) and Barry Manilow for his new book cover. I’m just packing my bags for Milan to do some work. It doesn’t really matter where I live as long as I’m happy. My uniform usually consists of a white T-shirt and jeans. If I wear shorts, they’re usually plain black ones, but these shorts are fun.” (far left)
MICHAEL CARR
Co-owner / designer, French Fryzz
“We started the firm in August, 1986, making everything--shorts, shirts, dresses, skirts--out of authentic cotton rice bags and burlap potato sacks. We got the idea at a Fourth of July barbecue, where a group of us decided to do something crazy and fun and very California. It’s a sort of surf / active-wear look that’s caught on across the country. In our first season we’ll gross close to $1 million. I’m 39, and it’s taken me 18 years to become an overnight success.” (near left)
LESLIE GAYLE KARTEN
Owner / designer, Leslie Gayle Karten
“I came out here after graduation from Rhode Island School of Design. I was a TV costume designer for shows like ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Archie Bunker’s Place,’ and I sold tops to stores as a sideline. Eventually I decided to do this full time. I was born in New York, but I love L.A. I work in a 3,000-square-foot loft in Venice that has a view of the ocean. I’m influenced by statements being made in art and design here, especially in graphic design, architecture and interiors. It’s a challenge to translate that message, along with my own sensibilities, into fashion.” (near right)
CARRIE MITCHUM
Granddaughter of Robert Mitchum
“I’m the third generation in acting. My grandfather, Robert, and my dad, Christopher, are both actors. My grandparents have been married for 47 years. The whole family lives in Montecito. I lived here until I was 6, then I lived in England for a year and Spain for five years. I also spent a lot of time in France, Italy and the Orient. Then I went to boarding school in the East and Dartmouth for a year. I withdrew because I wanted to act. I’m in the new soap, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful.’ I play Donna, the bold one.” (far right)
RAMON SHEEN
Son of Martin Sheen
“When you are the son of an ‘actor’s actor,’ which is how they refer to my dad, you have to prove that you can do it on your own. The best work I’ve done is my current role in ‘The House of Blue Leaves’ at the Pasadena Playhouse. I own a summer suit, a winter suit and a tuxedo. They’re all the Italian look: conservative, yet young. Now I have this suit by Glenn Williams. It’s comfortable, with an interesting cut.” (far left)
GLENN WILLIAMS
Owner / designer, G. W. Designs Inc.
“L.A. is a center of style, with a lot of creativity and spirit. Ramon Sheen is wearing double-pleated, rayon gabardine pants with a full leg and pegged bottom. Fashion is not to be taken too seriously. It’s forever changing.” (near left)
MARISKA HARGITAY
Daughter of Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay
“Basically, my goals are to raise a family and have a fulfilling career. When I get dressed up, it’s kind of an eclectic and comfortable style. I know Marina Spadafora well. She’s a personal friend. Her dresses are beautiful, and they feel good against your skin.” (near right)
MARINA SPADAFORA
Owner / designer, Marina Spadafora
“It’s great designing here because I’m not in the eye of the hurricane, as one is in Milan or New York. I have more detachment to create, without the cliquishness that exists in other places. I’m in my own little universe in my studio on Hollywood Boulevard. Here is where I feel free to express myself.” (middle right)
CHYNNA PHILLIPS
Daughter of John Phillips and Michelle Phillips
“I’ve been all over the world, but I’d like to settle here. L.A. is the place that can keep up with me, and that I can keep up with. I’ve always been into acting and singing. We’ve gotten a group together with Brian Wilson’s children, Carnie and Wendy. When I dress up, I wear my black pumps with my black dresses and my diamond earrings. This dress is really beautiful. I’d buy it.” (far right)
Hair and makeup by Jetty Stutzman for Cloutier; styling by Claude Deloffre and Beth Bickson; coordinated by Karla De Bergh.
