L.A. designer Michael Schmidt and his 3-D printed gown to appear at LACMA
Anyone interested in rock ‘n’ roll or the future of fashion will want to check out Los Angeles designer Michael Schmidt in conversation with pop culture writer Rose Apodaca on Wednesday at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Throughout his three-decade career, Schmidt has dressed Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Fergie, Tina Turner and a constellation of other music stars in provocative costumes using innovative materials (think razor blade fringe, colorful Lego blocks and silver mesh tatters). Along the way, he has also made a name for himself as a cutting-edge craftsman who is always on the cusp of what’s next.
Case in point is one of his latest projects, which involved collaborating with online 3-D printing company Shapeways and Brooklyn architect Francis Bitonti on a 3-D printed gown, hand-finished with thousands of Swarovski crystals at his studio in downtown Los Angeles, and modeled in the photo shown here by burlesque queen Dita Von Teese.
That dress will make its West Coast debut at the LACMA program, which is being organized by the museum’s Costume Council. During the talk with Apodaca, Schmidt will discuss his career in fashion, as well as his interior installations and his work as special projects designer for L.A.-based luxury house Chrome Hearts. Afterward, there will be a party in the museum courtyard, where six of Schmidt’s iconic looks will be on display, including pieces loaned by Madonna, Cher, Rihanna and Debbie Harry.
“Michael Schmidt in Conversation with Rose Apodaca,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Los Angeles County Museum of Art Bing Theater, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets $30 at (323) 857-6010.
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