October 17, 2009 was the chic fashion event of the season. The luxurious setting at Universal Studios backlot was the perfect backdrop for Kevan Hall’s couture fashion show. With a bevy of top models, diamonds, luxury handbags, high fashion eyewear, and beautiful footware, Kevan Hall created a coveted collection of fashion art in its most perfect form. I had the opportunity to interview some of the key players that evening—Gregory Arlt (MAC Makeup), Tod Hallman (runway show producer); and celebrity guests Tammy Farrell (Miss California 2009), and Natasha Henstridge.
Interviews by Kaylene Peoples (bolded)
Miss California 2009 Tammy Farrell (Pre Show)
What designer are you wearing tonight?
Kevan Hall naturally. I love his designs! I’m really looking forward to the show.
What was it like as your reign as Miss California?
I stepped into controversy with Carrie Prejean. It’s been a huge honor with all the media attention. It has helped me in so many ways than it would have had I won on my own. I was able to be an advocate for causes that I really believed in. For the first time we had world news. The world was watching what was going to happen with this pageant.
What are your plans now?
I just finished my screenplay and I’ve been shopping that around. I am working on my second one now. I’m also an actress. I started filming my first movie, and I hope there will be more to come.
Gregory Arlt – Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC
What are you doing for the Kevan Hall show?
It’s really based on the 40s. She’s sort of a well-traveled woman, ultra chic, absolutely perfect. And she might have been driving in her convertible. So she has a little bit of a wind-swept look. The hair might have gotten a little shape from being in the car. The makeup might have gotten a little stronger. So we gave her a really chic cat eye and a very strong, deep rich blood-red lip.
Any makeup trends for this winter coming up?
Absolutely! There are so many that we’ve seen. Two of the strongest trends I think are definitely a lip. We did see a lot of reds on the runway, a lot of burgundies, wines, sometimes bright orange lips . . . definitely a stronger mouth, sort of 50s—a cleaner eye. And then the opposite direction, we thought definitely a smoky eye. But it wasn’t your typical black eye. It was a little more sort of gray. We saw almost a metallic gray or ashy gray, kind of light your beautiful eye shadow, which I love. But it was a little bit more undone—it wasn’t perfect. Kind of like a smoky eye but still really chic.
Runway Show Producer – Tod Hallman
I’ve known Kevan, going back to when he was at Halston in New York. And when he came 
back to Los Angeles, he did his first show, and I was a guest. I was like, “I want to work with Kevan!” So I have been producing his shows since 2005.
What is the inspiration for this show?
Since we’re at the Rusnak reveal of three North American luxury cars—the Rolls, the Porche, and the new 4-door Pandemera . . . it is just breathtaking—I spoke to Kevan and I said, “Since we’re going to be working on the show, we needed to combine your inspiration in the end to the auto theme.” So he decided on Elizabeth Parke Firestone. She was the daughter of the son of Firestone Tires. She was a magnificent dresser, breathtaking. And she felt it was important for her to look great because she was always on her husband’s arm. Kevan has moved forward the classic look that she wore back in the 50s, 60s and 70s for today’s modern woman. And when Kevan comes up with his inspiration then my wheels start churning, about what I can do visually. I am a concept person, so it’s always great working with him.
Interview with Natasha Henstridge (Post Show)
What did you think of the show?
I’ve always been a fan of Kevan Hall’s work because I think he cuts so beautifully for the figure of a woman, which I have. I loved all the opalescent, iridescent, classic, gorgeous, unusual colors that he used in this season. Colors, that I’d never even seen before, but in a
beautiful, classic, subtle way. I think it’s a fun, nice thing to see come back. What I really enjoy about fashion are things that are classic with a modern twist. I saw a lot of that in this collection.
I kind of agree with you, the way that he does design for women with curves.
You don’t see A-Line in Kevan Hall’s stuff, and I’m a big fan of A-Line things, flapper things. But you have to know what works for your body, and his fashion and his styles work for a woman’s body.
Do you have other designers that you are a fan of as well?
I do have a few. I love Zac Posen; Versace also cuts for a woman’s curves; Dianne Von Furstenberg. Again, these are just designers that work for me. There are so many designers that I adore that don’t work for my body.
Tell me what you’re working on now?
I just finished a movie. It’s a little sweet family movie, a Hallmark movie called You Lucky Dog. I’m kind of trying to be “Mommy and Me,” but on a much lower budget (she laughs). It’s very sweet. Kind of like a dog bringing its family back together. Before that I did Eli Stone, Crazy Keeper for a couple of years. Crossing my fingers to do another TV show. I like to just kind of stick around and be in town.
With the hype of the film Amelia, I thought just maybe that was where the designers of Skingraft garnered their inspiration. Well, I was half right. Amelia Earhart and Joan of Arc were
the inspirations for Skingraft ‘s Spring 2010 collection. It was a bizarre combination of leather, spikes, fitted bomber jackets, all topped off with what appeared to be aviator caps from the late 20s. Oddly, it all worked. And as each model walked the runway, I found myself anticipating the next piece. There was a parade of edgy spiked leather jackets, flamenco skirts, and leather pants. I didn’t think I liked it at first. It was so different, so unexpected, so dark . . . yet so utterly hip! The colors were mostly dark and very “unspringlike,” consisting of blacks and rich browns, with the occasional grey and muted earth tones. The coolest look that caught my eye was the white princess lace skirt with black outer tracing. Don’t ask me how, but everything worked.
Skingraft uses distressed leathers and furs, painting and antique canvases, and masochistic metal detailing and corsetry. Other distinguishing features include elongated Victorian necks and punk-inspired metal work. The design trio used to travel the world as circus performers and costumers, which could explain a lot. Their collection accommodates both sexes, and they truly have acquired a burgeoning cult following.
on the runway. I liked Skingraft’s use of color. In keeping with spring, Jonny, Cassidy, and Katie were not afraid to use white. The white leather skinny pant was paired nicely with a matching jacket with front zippers
and black leather spiked-heeled boots added a nice touch. The men wore knickers with ankle boots, leather vests, and aviator caps. The final piece in the show was a metal-studded black leather bridal gown that was Victorian-inspired, topped off with a feather headband.