Saturday in the Park

Under the Hollywood sign they came to rock ‘n’ roll--more than 700 gathered, most of them bold and beautiful and young and restless. They chowed down, chugged beer and as the day heated up, eventually peeled off clothes--women in bra tops showed off abs that could rival Janet Jackson’s and shirtless guys were ripped and ripe for sunbathing.

For six hours Lake Hollywood Park unofficially became Hollywoodstock--just as low-rise Frankie B. jeans queen Daniella Clarke envisioned the Saturday-in-the-park fashion fest to benefit VH1 Save the Music Foundation, which raises money for musical instruments and programs in schools.

A carefree vibe was evident as regular folk mingled with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Minnie Driver, Tyra Banks, Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth and shirt-free Red Hot Chili Pepper Dave Navarro, who sent several teens into the swoon zone.

For non-stargazers, there were yoga sessions and quickie dance lessons from strolling belly dancers eager to bump and grind on the spot. Other guests roamed the park, listening and dancing to the live music of Gilby Clarke (Daniella’s hubby) and his band and soulful songstress Nikka Costa.

There were booths offering tie-dyeing, Tarot card reading, hair weaving, body art and massage therapy. Rita Sahakian spoke about “finding the goddess within yourself” with every mehndi tattoo she drew.

For the beauty-bound, there was eyebrow shaping and skin-care consulting. Michael Baruch, chief executive officer of Fred Segal Beauty, and his staff offered free microdermabrasion facials.

But mostly, everyone--from grandpas in straw hats to pierced and tattooed lovers of rock music and hip-hugging fashion--baked in the sun while sprawled on blankets with friends, pets and family.

Clarke, who unleashed her line of low-cut jeans on the world four years ago, said she decided not to present her collection during L.A.’s recent fashion week because she wanted to do something different--and outdoors, reminiscent of Woodstock.

As models, including Electra, hit the catwalk in Clarke’s fall 2002 collection--a mix of tight jeans and tops in denim, velour and the softest of corduroys--a throng of revelers surrounded the stage for a better view as “Brown Sugar” blared.

“I wanted a real rock ‘n’ roll, kind of picnic fashion event,” said Clarke, whose line is named for her 8-year-old daughter, Francesca. “This was a major project to pull off.”

By the looks and sound of it, Clarke conquered. Guests applauded, whistled and shouted during the show. A couple of guys even whipped out their Bic lighters to salute the fanny-flashing fashion parade--definitely a low-rise, natural-high moment.