America… Death or Glory. Decades of style through the eyes of Elmer Ave. America’s Great Depression sang the blues. The golden days of Hollywood have got one under the skin. Burlesque brought back dark sexy glamour. The state of war militarized civilian consciousness. London’s rock & roll attitude made its own stylish invasion. Punk rebellion took a stand from our youth. Ethereal connectivity and political awareness made the fashion world go ’round.

Elmer Ave’s spring summer 2009 collections at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles was a strutting conglomeration of historical milestones and experiences which influenced our minds, lifestyle and consciousness until the present time. A rich compilation of songs mixed together appropriately with each outfit took the audience back in time and back in America’s historical moments.

The fashion collection began with the touch of early 1900s era of Fred Astaire and the classic musical blends of Frank Sinatra. The tuxedo style three button black suit with a customized top lapel, black bow tie, flat front trousers and cane accessory introduced the theme of the show.

Overlapping styles from different eras flowed on the runway. One look featured a burgandy bow tie, gray blue long sleeved shirt, double breasted black vest, skinny black denim jeans, white military boot strap and boots. Another men’s look consisted of skinny silver tie, checkered double breasted peacoat, striped bootcut trousers, two tone brogues and of course an eyeliner shade on the eyes. Classic newspaper boy look came with wool gray newsboy cap, white long sleeved shirt, black suspenders, black above the knee shorts and white leather oxfords. The militant look showed an olive six button military coat, black tie, white shirt, skinny black trousers and brown below the knee leather boots. The modern Gatsby look composed of a black fedora, gray two button suit, white tuxedo shirt with light gold metallic barrel, skinny tapered above the ankle pants, metallic bracelet accessories and two tone oxfords.

“America’s great depression sang the blues. The golden days of Hollywood have got one under the skin. Burlesque brought back dark sexy glamour. The state of war militarized civilian consciousness.”

The men’s clothing line showed more black vests, skinny denim jeans, thin ties, slim suits in stripes or crosses, a punch of deep bright red, a hint of dark citron green and checkered or western leather print belts. Overall, the clothes maintain that dark edge infused with nostalgic references in history.

On the other hand, the Elmer Ave’s women’s collection focused on the lingerie line. The intimate appeal showed opaque or sheer fabrics over a striped lucite green jacket or zebra striped corset over a salmon rose high lapel jacket. The burlesque look included black striped vests, fish net leggings, flat front long trousers, tuxedo style suits, velvety textured bras, laced bra cups in slate gray bluish color, black garter belts and classic thigh highs.

The Elmer Ave spring summer 2009 fashion show did not need any of those overly decorated sets or lavish presentations in order to transmit the message. All it needed was an appropriate period tune or genre song with each specific outfit from its era. So America, decide, its either death or glory. And indeed, glory it is to the true Elmer Ave fashionista.

Article also featured at Jean Culture website:
www.jeanculture.com/2008/10/13/elmerave02/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/24/081013elmerave/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion shows are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Elmer Ave website:
www.elmerave.com

Elmer Ave Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Project C “Jellyfish” Collection. The jellyfish are free swimming inhabitants found not only in fresh water but also from the ocean surface to the deep sea ecosystems worldwide. They are generally translucent and move in metachronal waves which diffract light. Suh-Tahn’s Spring-Summer 2009 Collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles reflected a jellyfish’s state and movement. The clothing line focused on the construction of the garment and its internal system of threads and fabrics visible from the outside. This Project C Collection expressed the free flowing and casual California lifestyle.

“A sheer genius in translucent garments and free flowing draped fabrics.”

The outfits came in a myriad of ensembles. Sheer draped fabrics in different layers, asymmetrical shapes and well cut hemlines for the skirts flowed like waves on the runway. The dresses showed a light blue dye in light fabrics, slim cuts from the shoulder to the side, black thin silhouettes and sheer collared tops. The blouses and tops were relaxed, simple and classy. Variations included thick creased loose necklines, short collars, draped front to side pockets and extra overlay fabrics on the side. The jackets came in denim blue fabrics or light linen materials. Colors are mostly neutral and dominantly white or slate bluish gray.

A few worth mentioning popped out from Suh-Tahn’s collection. One particular robe had a combination of a relaxed hood, sleeveless top and a asymmetrical cut with a drape on the side. One black skirt had a triple horizontal zipped openings on the side. A denim on denim feel was a jacket and blouse draped with each other and tied with a thin black strip. The skinny pants with race car lines had that sporty appeal.

Suh-Tahn Spring-Summer 2009 Collection was a sheer genius in translucent garments and free flowing draped fabrics. As a jellyfish moves in smooth ethereal unison when it travels, Suh-Tahn’s fashion collection shared this essence towards casual California elegance. The transparent materials manifested a truly delightful unburdensome feeling to the audience.

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion shows are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/28/080812mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/12/081012suhtahn/

Suh-Tahn website:
www.suh-tahn.com

Suh-Tahn Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Rose petal kisses. Luscious designs. The Beach Bunny Swimwear Spring-Summer 2009 Collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles was a festivity of allure and excitement. The collection continued on its trademark style of shiny adornments, detailed embellishments and upscale lingerie designs. The swimwear and loungewear collection came with intricate sophistication such as Brazilian cuts with ruched detail, Swarovski crystals, French embroideries, European laces, small metallic chains, grosgrain ribbons, copper beads or studs and metallic period emblems.

Various enticing looks include:

• Nautical blue and white outfit with a navy lace top and a tiny white cheerleader skirt bottom.
• White renaissance/ military style outfit with laced lower neckline, wide straps, studs on bra band and waistband, low rise bottom and metallic eagle emblem.
• Medieval blue and white two piece with fixed triangle top, thin blue straps, metallic adornment on center bust, skimpy bottom, blue stripe on center and blue string side tie with a metallic end knot.
• Black and gold suit in metallic leather look with gold three string straps around the neck and hips and metallic ring on the center bust.
• Fuchsia red and white printed suit in red lipstick kisses pattern, ribbon on center bust and hips with skimpy bottom.
• Palace blue and light fuchsia combination with detailed embroidery on top, ruched bottom cups, three studs on center bust, right side embroidered hipster bottom and left side three strapped waist.
• Super lemon and fuchsia red combination with heavy leaf shaped embroidery on top, solid skimpy bottom and laced flower adornment on left hip.
• Single shoulder zebra striped swimsuit with ring on center bust, connecting fabric on top and bottom hipster areas and ruched right side cup.
• White elegant suit with overlayed ruched top, single shoulder strap on the right, crystal adorned ring connectors, two strapped hipster bottom, low skimpy cut and crystals ring embellishment on the left side hip.
• Glossy leather bikinis in reptile pattern, gold or red embellishments, skimpy thin bottoms, shoulder strap or single body strap and bead adornments.
• French-Victorian inspired outfit with polka dot pattern on top and bottom, fixed triangle top, body and shoulder straps with no neckline crossover, Victorian metallic regalia and black laced mini skirt bottom.

Since the company’s inception in 2004, swimsuit model Angela Chittenden has continually graced the runways with her sexy yet classy beach bunny swimwear line. As such, Beach Bunny Swimwear’s success attracted celebrity fans and now have featured in many major magazines worldwide. The spring summer 2009 collection was a proof that those eye candies and sugar rushes one experiences also come from these.

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/20/081013beachbunny/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion events are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Beach Bunny Swimwear website:
www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

Beach Bunny Swimwear Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Eye of the “tyger”. Breathe like a dragon. Snarl like a leopard. Christian Audigier brought the house down with his Ed Hardy label during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2009 Collections in Los Angeles. His trademark tattoo inspired clothing line, pop art appeal, street flavor, heavy embroidery, striking colors and overwhelming patterns rocked the runway.

With this Spring-Summer 2009 Collection, Ed Hardy’s fashion statement was upgraded to shocking electric colors and intensified graphic cartoonish illustrations.

Ed Hardy’s womenswear and fashion looks included plastic retro visors, heavy print scarf and blouse, solid or patterned short shorts, below the knee industrial boots, pink socks on high boots, baby blue hoodies, floral and tiger graphic on a zipped sweatshirt with lucite green band accents and leggings, biker style graphic print on tank tops, baseball referee striped white jacket in signature label print and shutter shades. Moreover, there were palace blue leopard pattern hoodies, salmon rose colored three striped thigh high sporty leggings, leopard pattern bags in salmon rose leather accents, fuchsia red floral print dress in wide studded waistband, dragon print low neckline shirts and black sweat pants in graphic prints.

“So whether you believe in ‘true love’ or that ‘love kills slowly’, you just have to muster that ‘courage’. In the end, you realize that you are indeed ‘born free’ to follow your Ed Hardy desire.”

Ed Hardy men’s collection featured bright orange and mellow yellow sweatshirt with hoods, plastic retro visors, extra distressed jeans with studs and patches, shutter shades, heavily embroidered denim straight baggy jeans especially on the front leg areas and distressed denim in radiated whiskers. Furthermore there were also royal lilac shirts in “love kills slowly” graphic print, floral pattern bow ties, heavily embellished leather belts, flaming tiger black ties, super lemon patched utility shirt in signature print and biker style black pajamas.

It’s a pattern on pattern world. It’s loud electric colors coupled with heavy illustrated graphic prints. It’s Hollywood glitz on the street edge. It’s Christian Audigier/ Ed Hardy’s spunk fused with pop art and fashion. So whether you believe in “true love” or that “love kills slowly”, you just have to muster that “courage”. In the end, you realize that you are indeed “born free” to follow your Ed Hardy desire.

Article also featured at the Jean Culture website:
www.jeanculture.com/2008/10/13/edhardy02/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion events are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/16/081013edhardy/

Ed Hardy website:
www.donedhardy.com

Ed Hardy Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Eye of the “tyger”. Breathe like a dragon. Snarl like a leopard. Christian Audigier brought the house down with his Ed Hardy label during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2009 Collections in Los Angeles. His trademark tattoo inspired clothing line, pop art appeal, street flavor, heavy embroidery, striking colors and overwhelming patterns rocked the runway.

With this Spring-Summer 2009 Collection, Ed Hardy’s fashion statement was upgraded to shocking electric colors and intensified graphic cartoonish illustrations.

Ed Hardy’s womenswear and fashion looks included plastic retro visors, heavy print scarf and blouse, solid or patterned short shorts, below the knee industrial boots, pink socks on high boots, baby blue hoodies, floral and tiger graphic on a zipped sweatshirt with lucite green band accents and leggings, biker style graphic print on tank tops, baseball referee striped white jacket in signature label print and shutter shades. Moreover, there were palace blue leopard pattern hoodies, salmon rose colored three striped thigh high sporty leggings, leopard pattern bags in salmon rose leather accents, fuchsia red floral print dress in wide studded waistband, dragon print low neckline shirts and black sweat pants in graphic prints.

“So whether you believe in ‘true love’ or that ‘love kills slowly’, you just have to muster that ‘courage’. In the end, you realize that you are indeed ‘born free’ to follow your Ed Hardy desire.”

Ed Hardy men’s collection featured bright orange and mellow yellow sweatshirt with hoods, plastic retro visors, extra distressed jeans with studs and patches, shutter shades, heavily embroidered denim straight baggy jeans especially on the front leg areas and distressed denim in radiated whiskers. Furthermore there were also royal lilac shirts in “love kills slowly” graphic print, floral pattern bow ties, heavily embellished leather belts, flaming tiger black ties, super lemon patched utility shirt in signature print and biker style black pajamas.

It’s a pattern on pattern world. It’s loud electric colors coupled with heavy illustrated graphic prints. It’s Hollywood glitz on the street edge. It’s Christian Audigier/ Ed Hardy’s spunk fused with pop art and fashion. So whether you believe in “true love” or that “love kills slowly”, you just have to muster that “courage”. In the end, you realize that you are indeed “born free” to follow your Ed Hardy desire.

Article also featured at the Jean Culture website:
www.jeanculture.com/2008/10/13/edhardy02/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion events are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/16/081013edhardy/

Ed Hardy website:
www.donedhardy.com

Ed Hardy Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Animal crackers and the gypsy child. Whitley Kros is a fictional character who travels the world. The free spirited nomad is inspired by various people, things, places and experiences from her earthly voyages. Imagine having only travel clothes, light luggage, trusty satchel, a musical device like an iPod, handy camera, delectable goodies and various inspirational mementos from places you’ve been to.

The Whitley Kros character and brand is a creative collaboration by Marissa Ribisi and Sophia Coloma. It represents casual elegance, youthful appeal, cheerful relaxation and inspiration through awareness particularly traveling.

“A light hearted adventure in animal cracker print fashion.”

Moroccan adventure, safari in Africa, sunsets in Greece and comfortable loungewear-sleepwear were some of the dominant inspirations for Whitley Kros’ Spring-Summer 2009 Collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles. Striped tunics, silk separates, sheer fabrics, exotic patterns and animal prints frequented the runway. Colors featured lollipop red, cress green, grape jam violet, silver pink, bit of blue off white, leather brown, bonnie blue, jadesheen green and muskmelon orange fabrics.

Various looks included:

• Short skirt dress in silver pink stripes and cress green long scarf.
• White blouse in animal print over grape jam blazer with loose mini sleep shorts.
• Exotic patterned blouse over a leather brown colored mini blazer with loose black trousers.
• Short and long legged rompers in sleek cuts, ruched and shiny sheer fabrics or grape jam linen like material.
• Black loose shirt with large zebra print and mini sleep shorts.
• White tank top, lollipop red skirt with full exotic print and jadesheen green rag scarf.
• Bit of blue off white animal print dress with bonnie blue grunge boots

Notable tops were:

• Silver pink chinese collar style loose dolman sleeve blouse with ruched shoulders
• Lollipop red long sleeved blouse with front beaded pattern
• Bonnie blue and grape jam combination leopard pattern blouse in sheer fabric

The Whitley Kros’ Spring-Summer 2009 Collection was a light hearted adventure in animal cracker print fashion. It was fun and relaxed. Surely, a cookie worth wearing.

Article also featured at Jean Culture website:
www.jeanculture.com/2008/10/12/whitleykros02/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion shows are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/28/080812mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/15/081012whitleykros/

Whitley Kros website:
www.whitleykros.com

Whitley Kros Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Pocket full of style. Studded appeal. Best distressed. Proper sequins. The Sheiki Jeans Spring-Summer 2009 Collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles prowled with a multitude of side zipped pouches, cargo pockets, ultra distressed denims, ripped thread designs, studded embellishments and sequin adornments. Former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day and model Vida Guerra grazed the show to see the fashion line.

“Pocket full of style. Studded appeal. Best distressed. Proper sequins.”

The Sheiki Collections womenswear had that relaxed yet glamorous biker style charm. Tank tops came in salmon rose and charcoal gradients, “Ride Free” graphic prints and studded silver sequins. One top, in particular, was a blend of lingerie and blouse in sheer black fabric and laced center bust line. Another top to note was a cross pattern cut with a high tight neckline, black fabric in studded silver sequins and open air rib to hip areas. On the other hand, shirts were in graphic prints, form fitting, tight cut and usually had a short hemline on the navel area. One vest came with full studded rose dust or pale gray leather material.

The Sheiki Jeans assortment featured:

• Relaxed cut and tapered leg with zipped back pockets, side cargo flap pouches in dark denim jeans.
• Slim cut and low waisted jeans in a faded distressed look with many zipped front pockets.
• Boot cut and an ultra distressed look with severe ripped thread front leg areas in dark denim.
• Slim cut and low waisted jeans in red stitching and two button front loops.
• Flare cut, normal waist with a wide waistband and off front pockets in dark retro denim.
• Flare cut, slim leg, normal waist with embroidery on right front leg, studs on belt loops and fairly distressed denim.
• Slightly wide leg, slim thigh with severe ripped threads from top to bottom legs in faded distressed denim jeans.

Denim design stand outs included:

• Sheiki signature back pocket over a spade shape black sequined pattern.
• Heavily studded design on coin and front pockets.
• Red stitching with metallic buttons on belt loops.
• Wide waistband with two button closures in retro cut and front zipped pockets.
• Shiny rose dust or pale gray jeans with a studded waistband.

Founded in 2006 by Sheila Marie, Sheiki Jeans became well known for its tailored fit, back pockets that accentuate the butt and its detailed denim embellishments. The Sheiki Jeans Spring-Summer 2009 Collection continued on its trademark style with a fresh “Ride Free” biker flavor.

Article also featured at Jean Culture website:
www.jeanculture.com/2008/10/12/sheikijeans02/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion shows are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/28/080812mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/14/081012sheiki/

Sheiki Jeans/ Sheiki Collections website:
www.sheikijeans.com

Sheiki Jeans Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

Silhouettes of ancient Greece. Sensual communes of Saint-Tropez. Julia Clancey’s Un Petit Quelquechose Spring-Summer 2009 Collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles was an ethereal fashion escapade.

The show began with an inspiring performance of “Mal di Luna” by opera singer, Summer Watson. Her voice set the tone for a classical evening of raw emotion and fairy tale love.

Julia Clancey’s Spring-Summer 2009 Collection featured soft long flowing dresses, gowns and caftans in light pastel colors. Silk and chiffon dominated the runway to show elegance. Notable designs were baby doll dresses, draped layered skirts, long gowns and low plunging necklines. Metallic trims, sophisticated crystal adornments, bejeweled masks, gold beaded chain linked straps, head scarves and Jackie O sunglasses accentuated the runway’s ambiance. Thematic colors show gold embellishments, bit of blue pale white fabrics, shiny ivory garments, bonnie blue to porcelain aquamarine hues, muskmelon orange shades and young wheat yellow tints.

“Silhouettes of ancient Greece. Sensual communes of Saint-Tropez.”

Julia Clancey has been known for her sensual designs and fairy tale-esque elegance through the use of silk and chiffon. Its softness and fluidity exude a classical glamour. From baby doll dresses, ballet skirts, massive flowing gowns and plunging necklines to exotic trimmings, detailed adornments like Swarovski crystals and ornate body jewelry, combined, it all embodies a signature style unique only to Julia Clancey’s collections. With the Spring-Summer 2009 fashion line, once again, opulence and desire took their shape.

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/18/081013juliaclancey/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion events are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Julia Clancey website:
www.juliaclancey.com

Julia Clancey Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

uber rock. dark grunge. elmer ave’s fall collection was a testament of london’s modern rock & roll flair and the influence of johnny depp’s pirates of the caribbean filmographies. dubbed as “a night of tragic emotions” and melodies by the devil’s orchestra, the creative collaboration of jonny day, collin pulsipher, ward robinson and sean murphy set out an attack on the runway seas.
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” gothic magnetism and emo characterizations splurged an array of emotions like pain with a broken heart symbol and betrayal with a dagger. “

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the line was infused with a twisted rock & roll rebel attitude. signature stripe painted tuxedo jackets. velvet blazers. custom vintage leather jackets. cross designed vests. 70s retro era van art. new age trench coats. stylized monogram crest. funky crosshatches.

gothic magnetism and emo characterizations splurged an array of emotions like pain with a broken heart symbol and betrayal with a dagger. faces gleam with gloom. captain jack sparrow’s wit and treachery enveloped the style of the collection with accessories and adornments of eyeliners, chains, distressed hairdos, beards, mustaches, bullet belts, skulls and crossbones.

elmer ave’s runway show was an emotionally charged escapade strutting through the dark edgy side.

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elmer ave fall-winter 2008-2009 collection
mercedes benz fashion week, smashbox studios, culver city, ca
march 2008 event in los angeles
photographer/ author: keith carlos
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