Clear the Runway for Fashion Talent
While the big-name designers compete for red-carpet Oscar exposure, a group of lesser-knowns has been putting finishing touches on their own moment in the limelight. On Feb. 26, 11 fashion students at downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising will debut their collections at a fundraiser at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. We stopped in for a little shop talk at their FIDM atelier.
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Elias Luna
35, Los Angeles
How do you describe your work?
Elegance with a little sexiness. For this collection, I looked at 1930s architecture, auto and train design.
What defines the L.A. look?
It’s a mixture. The street look and a little bit of urban. Then you have the whole vintage classic look.
What’s your first fashion memory?
My mom having a party. It was the early ‘70s. I was about 7. I remember her with huge hair and a lime-green A-line dress and white boots. I thought that was the coolest outfit.
What is the biggest fashion faux pas of the last 20 years or so?
The really low low-rise jeans. That should go away. Women and young girls think it’s sexy. But it isn’t.
Who would you love to dress?
Sharon Stone. She’s a classic beauty and she wears clothes so well.
Who is your favorite designer?
Alexander McQueen. He’s theatrical but his tailoring is impeccable.
Your favorite article of clothing?
This jacket. It’s the perfect fit.
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Florence O. Leleji
28, Lagos, Nigeria
Tell us about your designs.
This collection is Watery Dusk--romantic, lots of poofs, flounces and beads. A marriage of Western silhouettes and African trims.
What defines the L.A. look?
Dressed down. The opposite of New York, where they dress up a lot. That was a shock to me.
What’s your first fashion memory?
In an art contest at my school I got first place in textile design. My math teacher said, “This might be destiny. You never know.”
Who would you love to dress?
Naomi Campbell. I love the way clothes look on her.
Something you’ll never see in a Florence Leleji design?
I like sexy, but excessive nudity is just too much.
Who is your favorite designer?
Carolina Herrera. Her clothes are classic, timeless and very feminine.
Favorite article of clothing?
You won’t see me without earrings. It’s a big deal in Africa.
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Shannon Figgins
21, Lake Stevens, Wash.
How do you describe your designs?
I like to take vintage touches and make them practical and modern. Masculine tailoring with feminine fabrics and frills.
What is the L.A. look?
Beverly Hills chic, beachcomber, fashionista, rockabilly punk. Definitely edgy and definitely young.
First fashion memory?
I’ve always admired the ladies in old black-and-white films. I appreciate an era when gloves and hats were mandatory, although I also appreciate the affinity for denim in L.A.
Something you’ll never see in a Shannon Figgins design?
Not too much skin. I believe sex appeal is in the silhouette, not skin.
Who is your favorite designer?
Valentino took staples like the ruffle and snood and gloves and made them new again.
Favorite article of clothing?
My furs. Not only does fur move amazingly, it keeps you warm.
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Albert Ng
33, Hong Kong
How do you describe your designs?
For this collection, Yin Yang, I put the Chinese philosophy in. It’s all about contrast and balance.
What’s your first fashion memory?
Before, I was a TV actor in Hong Kong. My interest in fashion started with costumes.
What are your inspirations?
Movies, music, art.
Who would you love to dress?
Of course I want Nicole Kidman. She is really elegant but she has style and character with a little attitude.
Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t have any favorite, but Vivienne Westwood is really creative, fun, elegant and wearable. I just saw an exhibition on her in London at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
What’s the next big trend?
With the Beijing Olympics coming, Chinese looks.
Favorite article of clothing?
Denim can match anything.
