There are a lot of reasons I like British designer Vivienne Westwood. The most obvious is the haute couture wedding gown worn by Carrie Bradshaw in the recent movie Sex and the City. That wedding dress has become widely recognized as one of the movie’s most iconic features. Westwood has won awards for her services in fashion, as well as her three-time win as British Designer of the Year. That’s why when I received an invitation to the Vivienne Westwood Trunk Show, held locally here in Los Angeles by EM & Co, I had to attend. The event was held just before the holidays in late November 2008. The clothes at the show were select pieces bought specifically for the store representing the fall 2008 and spring 2009 collections. Items from the Anglomania collection were worn by models who added to the eye candy of the gallery-like boutique. The catered event hosted a DJ and was sponsored by Modern Luxury’s Angeleno Magazine. It featured an Absinthe Bar from Mata Hari Absinthe Bohemian, Vodka cocktails from Marani Premium Vodka, and appetizers from Tasca Wine Bar.
The styles shown for the spring ’09 collection are the most representative pieces from the collection that show the essence of Vivienne Westwood’s styling and direction for spring ’09. We buy the collection pretty extensively, so the pieces shown represent about 70% of the styles in the collection (many of the styles are available in different colors & fabrics). -EM & Co Rep-
One of the highlights of the evening was the arrival of celebrity painter Biago Black’s painting of Vivienne Westwood. It is the latest piece in his collection currently at EM & Co, featuring iconic women. The large format captures the larger-than-life influence that these women have in defining style and creativity.
Biagio Black’s artwork, displayed at various special events in Paris and on both the East and West Coasts, has most recently been displayed at the “little black dress” charity event in Los Angeles. His art has been tied to fashion since 2005, when he first participated in “The Many Faces of LA Fashion Week” event presented by Ford Models and GM and an earlier ‘little black dress’ charity event. Black’s celebrity portraits have become collector items. -EM & Co Rep-
The event was packed with recognizable faces, including current and former members of the Pussy Cat Dolls (Melody and Carmit Bachar), not to mention Diva Zappa, Billy Duffy (The Cure), Dallas Harrison (VH1’s “Rock of Love” & “Charm School with Sharon Osbourne”), and more. Celebrity stylists, including several representatives from both print (People, Genlux, Beverly Hills Times,CA Apparel News) and online magazines (ifashionnetwork.com and Chic Today) were in attendance.
EM & Co supplies fashion-conscious shoppers with a well orchestrated mix of fashions from world class designers (i.e., Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, JC de Castelbajac, Beatriz), as well as innovative styles from emerging L.A. talent. Featuring over 30 lines from around the world in its gallery-like space, EM & Co is also an active supporter of local talent, hosting monthly art exhibits and other events featuring local artists and designers. Located on West Third Street for over three years, the boutique has established a fast-growing loyal following among celebrities and stylists who regularly come to find unique pieces and a well edited selection to suit many styles. EM & Co carries lines from around the world, including Ilaria Nistri, Luis Da Gama, Made, Twinset, Iro, Jean Paul Gaultier jeans line, Beatriz, Aoyama Itchome, Earth, Badgley Mishka, as well as local designers who create one-of-a-kind pieces: Galadriel Mattei, Kiki Designs Jewelry, Micha necklaces and bracelets, and casual chic pieces from Viereck). 90% of the jewelry in the store is from LA designers.
Guests enjoyed vodka cocktails from Marani Vodka and sampled powerful absinthe concoctions at the Mata Hari Absinthe bar. The truffle home-made potato chips and delicious risotto appetizers were provided by Tasca Wine Bar and Restaurant, located on West Third Street. The make-up for the three models that featured Vivienne Westwood styles throughout the evening was provided by the Make Up Art Group; the hair styles were done by William Williams of Hair by William.
Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples
