text KRISTIN WINTERS & JORGE PEREZCHICA
photography LUNAFORA
THE SUPERSTARS OF PROJECT RUNWAY:
Michael Costello, Los Angeles-based fashion designer is best known for dressing top A-list entertainers, and this year he hand-picked designers for the Project Runway event. “I try to find designers with different points of views when it comes to the Project Runway show — so you really get something different,” said Costello. “They have the opportunity to showcase their work. Patricia [Michaels], interesting, fun and exciting. Michelle [Lesniak], expert tailoring and details. Daniel [Esquivel] — I just love how creative he is — reminds me of Hollywood glamour. Dom [Streater] — I’m excited what she’s going to do.” Costello’s own show consisted mainly of stark, black attire he described as “Japanese warrior and samurai — really sexy. I’m excited about what people say.” Costello grew up in Palm Springs where he opened his first boutique, and he quickly became a household name after his appearances on the Project Runway television series. He reminisces, “That was definitely a turning point.”
FIDM:
The 2015 Couture Debut Show featured the collections from the third-year fashion students of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Each designer reflected their own unique aesthetic while presenting a vision for the future of fashion. Their inspirations ranged from world travels, cinema, and rock n’ roll icons. Highlights included three young designers whose collections were applauded with standing ovations. Marly Kluge presented flowing jumpsuits and dresses with bright topical prints and colors. Dustin Mangan pushed men’s fashion to new limits with jean material and black leather joggers and trenchcoats, complete with built-in backpacks. Leetal Platt closed the runway show with her stunning take on women’s evening wear. Her one-of-a-kind gowns featured intricate hand sewn silver metal chains with contrasting silky fabrics. Her final piece closed the show and earned the loudest applause with its hand-crafted, sliver chained crown.
BEAUTY:
Stylist and co-owner Roberto Madera of Roberto Madera Salon has been a part of Fashion Week El Paseo for the last seven years. “One of the best parts creating this event is working with designers, stylists, producers, and directors,” said Madera, who admires the collaboration of the fashion and beauty industry. His perseverance is to be appreciated. “We all make it happen. There’s no ifs or buts,” he said. Madera mused about his travels all over the world to explore trends, but he acquires most of his inspiration from the Coachella Valley, including the hotels and people walking downtown. Much of his fashion influence comes from the more classic designers like Gianni Versace, who tragically died in 1997. This year Madera’s salon created the glamour for both FIDM and Michael Costello. With 15 years of experience, the salon has styled for numerous A-list designers including Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, and Ralph Lauren.
MODELS:
Rachel Sklar, 5’ 10”, born and raised in Valencia, CA, is represented by LA Models, “Most of the girls in the shows were from there,” said Sklar. “It was fun being together like a big family; getting to know the new girls and reuniting with the older models. My favorite moment is the ‘first look’ before each show. I get so excited with butterflies in my stomach as hair, makeup, dressers, and designers bustle about me with last minute touch-ups… it’s like acting a part in a movie.” Sklar had some favorite designers she modeled during Fashion Week El Paseo: “I felt especially elegant walking the runway in the lacy, long-sleeved Daniel Esquivel gown, Dom Streater’s vibrant personality showed through in the edgy, two-slit, black and white gown. Candice Held’s silk mini-dress was also a fun, carefree look… and if given another opportunity, I would jump at the chance to work with Michael Costello.”