November 4, 2004

Model Citizen

Desert Death T-Shirts

If life were fair, good qualities would be evenly distributed and models would be talent-free.

Milla, Christy, and Gisele could leave their higher ambitions behind and go back to just being insanely pretty.

More proof that life is deeply unjust? The hand-drawn T-shirts of ex-model Jesse Kamm. Not only did she quit modeling to become an artist and designer (okay, fine, so she’s cool), but she even has a dark, brooding side. The T-shirts, inspired by the stunning desert scenery she took in on a road trip from her hometown in Illinois to L.A., depict human skulls, animal skeletons, and other desolate imagery — though more recent patterns reflect a slightly softer side (plant life and living desert animals).

Each piece is one-of-a-kind and beautifully illustrated. It’s no wonder friend Adam Levine of Maroon 5 wears them. And Vincent Gallo just bought a brown bunny (no joke).

So she’s gorgeous, has fabulous friends, a great fashion sense, and artistic talent. At least she seems sort of depressed.

Which, after all, would be only fair.

Available at South Willard, 8038 West Third Street, between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Laurel Avenue, L.A. (323-653-6153). To see styles, go to desertdeath.com