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(All Photos by John Collazos)
The Opening Reception for LAFW 2019 (lafw.net) took place at The Petersen Museum on Wilshire Blvd. Friday, March 22 mixing classic cars and standout fashion. The Walter Collection and Naeem Khan NYC both featured gorgeous collections. Two different aesthetics with beautifully embellished gowns, jackets, and jumpsuits ruled the runway and made a new mark on the L.A. fashion scene.
Walter Mendez and Ryan Patros, head the Walter Collection (waltercollection.com) and they created an enchanted garden vibe for the show from their fall and winter 2019 collection. They are L.A. based and bring so much beauty to the fashion scene. The collection consisted of textured cut-out gowns and garments with soft colors. The curve-hugging creations have graced the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Beyonce. The designs that came down the runway were celebrity worthy pieces, and it was thrilling to see couture up close! There were pieces embellished with embroidered beading and baby blue colored tulle that had an ultra-feminine ethereal effect. Bohemian brim hats (think Lady Gaga), oversized flowers, and headpieces for the hair added to the youthful vibe of the show.
Naeem Khan (
naeemkhan.com) was a definite highlight and featured an edgier vibe as Khan showed their fall and winter runway collection that debuted at NYFW. He’s dressed countless celebrities for The Grammy’s Golden Globes, and the Oscars. It’s a beautiful collection heavy on texture and various rich prints. The collection had a 70’s rock-‘n-‘roll vibe to it, especially with the striped, sequined flare leg trousers and embroidered tops with metal-embellished fringe at the waist. Naeem Khan grew up in India, and it’s incredible to see how he blends a large part of the Indian culture of design with modern American fashion.
The collection also featured garments full of feathers, trending fringe, and multi-color embroidery. Overall, tops, trousers, and jackets were the signature pieces of the collection, A standout piece was a floor-length silver metallic dress with a low-V (accented with a leather tie), and a stunning tiger-print floor-length cape completed with black tights and silver stilettos.
The opening reception was a night to remember. LAFW is becoming more of an exclusive event for established and emerging designers — this is the beauty of fashion. We are already thrilled for next year.