Satin and Lace for an L.A. Look
To: Readers
From: Michael Quintanilla, Times Fashion Writer
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If anyone in La-La Land knows Lillian “Lilly” Raymond at the Coffee Corner in Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax, please tell her Gregory Parkinson says “hi.”
“That’s what I miss most about Los Angeles--Lilly at my favorite coffee place,” says Parkinson, 36, a former L.A.-based designer who closed his Beverly Boulevard shop last year and moved to Manhattan because, as the song goes, “If I can make it there, I’d make it anywhere.”
From the look of it, he’s making it.
“Insanely so,” he says.
Parkinson, who earned a degree from Newcastle University and moved to L.A. from England in 1989, was one of four designers selected by fashion industry executives, editors, writers and retailers for the second annual Moet & Chandon Designer Debut. Alexandra Lind of New York and twins Angela and Sharon Wright of London also were showcased at the show, held last Sunday under one of the tents set up at Bryant Park for Fashion Week.
As Diana Ross’ “No One Gets the Prize” blared, models appeared in 18 of Parkinson’s ensembles, each featuring his unusual use of traditional evening wear fabrics--tulle, organza and satin--for daytime wear.
For sure, Parkinson’s designs are irreverent: A lace skirt with lame lining and sequin patches is teamed with a simple white cotton tank. A Lycra bubble skirt is paired with a sequin tulle halter. A sequined tulle shell is worn with a skirt made of bias-cut strips of denim.
“I thought Gregory’s skirts and simple tops were wonderful,” said Edie Locke, vice regional director of Los Angeles’ Fashion Group International. “It’s a look that will sell in L.A.”
Ronnie Sasson, wife of hair guru Vidal, agreed. “The looks are very L.A. It’s a lifestyle thing,” she added, herself dressed in a white T-shirt, black leather jacket and dark denim flares.
Vidal Sasson, whose team of hair professionals worked the show, said the designers’ debut showcase is an indication of how “the times have enormously changed because today it’s very much an industry shared by all. In the beginning--and I’ve been in this business for 57 years--it was very elitist.”
Backstage, Parkinson, dressed in white, was besieged like a rock star, showered with kudos usually doled out to such biggies as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan.
“You were brilliant,” a fan said.
“Your collection made me cry,” cooed another.
He says that, for him, designing is about geography. “What is relevant in New York isn’t relevant in L.A. And being in New York, the urban environment is very different.” It’s gritty and fast, which is why he’s all about making clothes that can take women into a comfort zone.
Even though Vanessa L. Williams, Gloria Estefan, Cameron Diaz and other entertainers have worn his clothes, Parkinson says, “I design for all women.
“Style these days is about lifestyle. It’s like having a cup of Lilly’s coffee because that was like sanctuary for me.”
Lilly, make that two cups.
E-mail Michael Quintanilla at socalliving@latimes.com.
