A Fashion Week bright spot: Kevan Hall Spring 2010
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At the risk of sounding repetitive (and whiny), the events happening during this L.A. Fashion Week are quite geographically scattered, with some held in the most peculiar places. Last night, the Kevan Hall Spring 2010 show took me to the Universal back lot*, where the designer showed his collection on a set of grand steps that made every model look as though she were descending the steps at the Palais des Festivals at Cannes.
After getting lost, mistakenly driving into the Warner Bros. lot and hiking the concrete hill to the ‘Rusnak Night of Luxury’ event where Hall presented his line, I found the show to be a welcome respite amid the logistical chaos of what this fashion week/month has become.
For spring, Hall did what he does best: vintage-inspired gowns and day dresses that would make almost any woman feel polished, elegant and glamorous.
He specifically channeled the 1960s, with models wearing voluminous bouffants and ‘Mad Men’-esque silhouettes. The solid-color pieces were breathtaking. Every color was the most brilliant version of itself. Crimson reds, vivid corals and even a concrete gray were so vivid and rich, you didn’t dare turn your head until the look was entirely out of sight.
Hall hit the ‘red’ trend right on, with a one-shouldered cocktail dress that was structured, not slinky, and sure to be a classic in many women’s closets.
His gowns were part Grace Kelly, part Michelle Obama, with strong, structured bodices and delicate jeweled details at the waist and occasionally as a brooch at the neckline.
Hall worked wide gold belts into this collection, which took a few formal pieces into sportswear territory, showing how versatile a dress can be by just adding a simple accessory.
-- Melissa Magsaysay
*We previously wrote the Universal back lot is in Burbank. It’s not, as a commenter points out. It’s in Universal City.