Michelle Mason

Michelle Mason, a 29-year-old designer who was born in Seoul and launched her namesake line less than four years ago, delivered an edgy--and romantic--collection Saturday night in a downtown Los Angeles art district studio packed to capacity.

Mixing masculine and feminine looks, Mason’s runway show also captured the fashion flair of the turn-of-the-century with long, full skirts, high necks and dark colors. Garments included snug double-breasted corduroy coats, wide-legged cuffed trousers and classic cotton shirts in black and stripes. But Mason’s manly offerings were softened with sexy polka-dot silk halters, halter vests, corsets, ruffle-front blouses and circle skirts in wicked leather.

She creatively layered a red leather corset over a V-neck gathered dress in wine jersey and showed an ensemble that featured a black jersey long-sleeved top with leather sleeves teamed with a turquoise wool-blend bustier and black leather wide-leg pants.

“I like playing with masculine and feminine looks,” Mason said backstage. “It makes for a quiet, sexy look for a woman.”