Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Vote for this year's most innovative, inspiring, and promising designer or boutique.
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Lauren Wallack Lorun
When you debut a smartly constructed, well-tailored, feminine, and functional collection all in black, you get a serious reputation. If you're Wallack, that means seriously fantastic. Read More
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Originally published on August 14, 2007
Legend of the Fall
Lorun Collection
Try not to think about the nights getting longer, the summer slipping away, or the days of the baby doll dress being numbered.
Instead, focus only on Lorun, the first complete ready-to-wear collection from Lauren Wallack. For the brand new lineup, the designer channels the best of ’60s London into clean silhouettes that are meant for everyday.
Mixing silk, cotton, and cashmere for dresses, tops, and jackets, Wallack makes sure every detail counts (something she picked up interning for Zac Posen, no doubt). Structured sheaths close with shiny zippers or tiny buttons down the back; pleats, darts, and skinny belts pepper the rest.
To top it off, she uses ever versatile hues such as cream, black, navy, and slate (more important now than ever).
Making it just what you need to fall back on.
Available at Switch, 238 South Beverly Drive, between Charleville Boulevard and Gregory Way, South Beverly Hills (310-860-1650). To see styles, go to loruncollection.com. -
Kristin Dickson and Brady Cunningham Souvenir
Design dream team Dickson and Cunningham are known for their playful but polished modern silhouettes. Their ecofriendly use of vintage fabrics, organic cotton, and hemp is icing on the cake. Read More
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Originally published on March 2, 2007
Never Let Go
Souvenir Clothing
Grandma went to _____ and all you got was a stinking T-shirt.
If only she’d known about Souvenir, the new clothing line by L.A.-based designers Kristin Dickson and Brady Cunningham.
With a simple and sophisticated touch, they turn tricky pieces, like a cowl-neck romper and wide-leg pantsuit, into old standbys. Their baby pleat short shorts and long lampshade dress come off interesting without being overly complicated.
In keeping with the designers’ philosophy of subtle, effortless dressing, the line of comfy cotton voile, linen, and jersey is entirely black. (What’s easier to wear than that?) If you crave a little color, shoulder one of their oversize drawstring bags made from vibrant vintage fabrics.
In short, this debut collection is sure to become the toast of the town.
Finally, a reason to get out those commemorative shot glasses.
Available at Scout, 7920 West Third Street, between Fairfax and Hayworth Avenues (323-658-8684 or scoutla.com). -
Melissa Coker Wren
It's easy to find beauty in everyday things when you're wearing Wren. Coker bejewels her tees, makes minis from brocade, and adds a touch of satin ribbon wherever she goes. Read More
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Originally published on August 6, 2007
Wren to Own
Wren Clothing
They say you’d go to the opening of an envelope.
Your reply? Yes, it’s true — and best not forget you’d dress for the occasion in Wren. After all, L.A. lady Melissa Coker’s new label brings a little opulence to the everyday.
For those wax-sealed love letters, try a bejeweled charcoal tee tucked into a structured brocade miniskirt that poofs.
If that manila is marked special delivery, choose from a bright blue layered silk dress with a hand-painted mother-of-pearl necklace or a silk dobby trapeze dress with a velvet bow. All such good calls.
And on days when you find a white envelope in your mailbox featuring a dash and an extra-long zip code in the return address, brace yourself in a metallic linen trapeze dress or a three-tired Vic-Goth coat.
Actually, why open it all at?
You already know who the winner is.
Available at Opening Ceremony, 451 North la Cienega Boulevard, between Rosewood and Oakwood Avenues, West Hollywood (310-652-1120).