Behind the Scenes : Big Guns Take Aim at AIDS in Metropolis Fashion Show
When Metropolis, the hip billiards-sushi-bar-dance club in Irvine, opened its doors in October, there were those who said it marked Orange County’s arrival. Last Sunday’s fashion show there to benefit the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County marked another stage in the club’s development.
Sunday’s event featured food, a silent art auction, fashion and dancing, all part of a two-month Art For Life’s Sake campaign to raise awareness and money to combat AIDS.
Organizers recruited big guns both internationally and locally for the hourlong fashion parade, giving 600 guests a sneak previews of what’s hot for summer and fall.
Giorgio Armani kicked off the show with a fall ’93 collection that draws from the landscape of Lapland. The emphasis, no surprise, was on outerwear and heavy knits in charcoal and camel. The Italian designer also donated three original sketches from this season’s line for the auction.
Glamour of the ‘20s, ‘40s and early ‘50s threaded the show. Chantal Thomass borrowed from Dior’s New Look, recalling the French couture seen in old movies. Robin Picone’s solid red maillots and black-and-white striped one- and two-piece suits with Chanel-inspired gold button detailing fit better at poolside than in the water. Local favorite Holly Sharp went romantic in fluid silhouettes that seemed plucked right out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald story.
Not everyone waxed nostalgic, however, as some designers--including Calvin Klein--got down and fresh with loose-fitting, boxer-exposing, layered street wear. But for all his muscle, Calvy Calv’s ode to Marky Mark was weak by comparison to local boys Mossimo and Stussy. And grunge did make an appearance courtesy of L.A.’s Tag Rag. Other designer wares hailed from Van Buren (loved the thigh-high pink sequined boots) and participating retailers such as Mi Place in Laguna Niguel and Fullerton, David Rickey & Co. in Costa Mesa and Forgotten Woman in Newport Beach.
