A Collection That’s as Diverse as Los Angeles
Latino designer Eduardo Lucero may be known for the candy-colored ruffle skirts and flamenco-inspired lace dresses he contributed to last spring’s Cubanismo craze in fashion (and everything else for that matter). But the fall collection he previewed last week proves he is more than a one-trick pony.
The sneak peek at Lucero’s new line was part of a benefit for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation held at the newly opened Conga Room. Although El Vez (“the Mexican Elvis”) played emcee with backup from a salsa band, the collection was a melting pot of diverse looks inspired by neighborhoods of the city Lucero now calls home, Los Angeles.
The designer characterized the line as individualistic. “We are not out to emulate New York or Milan. We are beyond one look,” he said. “We really wanted to cater to a lot of different women.”
He began in familiar territory. Dresses and separates inspired by East L.A. have a subtle Latin flair. A severe denim tube dress was softened with festive lace trim and delicate shoulder straps. A sheer black skirt sizzled with a ruffled slit up the thigh.
This season’s cargo pants were redefined in iridescent silk. Black brocade cargo pants with a tailored jacket created a new suit that is both casual and chic--a perfect office-to-evening ensemble.
Wild hair and disco-bright face paint characterized Lucero’s “women of the South Side.” Buttery black leather pants paired with matching over-the-elbow leather gloves and an Eartha Kitt-inspired sheer leopard-print maxi coat. African-inspired aprons added sparkle to tailored pants, while a two-sided stole in leather and Chinese silk print offered a fresh nighttime cover-up.
Lucero’s interpretation of Asian neighborhoods began with a matte-jersey one-shouldered blouse and a wrap skirt that had the comfort and drape of a kimono. At the other extreme was an embroidered mesh butterfly dress with little more than spot beading to cover all the right places.
Lucero’s take on West Hollywood included flattering 1940s menswear-inspired suits in tropical wool. Wide-leg pants were paired with short tailored jackets that flared slightly to expose a feminine wrist.
Lucero’s “debutante look” was the show’s most puzzling. Is there a debutante neighborhood in L.A. we were unaware of? Nevertheless, intricately cut lace skirts and jackets encrusted with light-catching beads reflected the quality of Lucero’s workmanship. These classic dressy pieces were as pretty as any of Max Azria’s popular BCBG evening options for young women.
Hollywood was noticeably absent from Lucero’s show (save for event hosts Jimmmy Smits and Jennifer Tilly).
“There’s a lot happening in L.A. and not just in Hollywood,” Lucero explained.
Lucero’s fall collection will be available at the end of July at his Beverly Boulevard boutique in L.A.
