Designer Kevan Hall Showcases His Spring 2011 Collection at Agenda Loft...and I Was There!

(Kevan Hall and his models)

Extravagent fashion shows can be a mind-blowing experience. The long catwalk, flashing camera lights, front row celebs -- elements that reflect the designer's success. And designer Kevan Hall is no stranger to this environment, as his glam gowns have graced the big runway for years. But recently, on January 19th, he took his Spring 2011 collection to Agenda Loft in downtown LA for an small, private showing. It was a nod to the back-in-the-days 1930s fashion shows at Salons, where buyers, press, and the privileged few were exclusively invited to preview a new collection. Proudly, I was one of the few exclusive guests to attend the intimate showcase.

Having interviewed Kevan Hall backstage prior to his show, in 2006 at Smashbox Studios during LA Fashion Week (I am still a staff writer and columnist for Agenda Magazine), I was delighted that I had the opportunity to view another one of his collections. This time, instead of models being 30 feet away, they were posing nearly beside me.

The models danced and swayed as they entered the main area of the loft on a white catwalk and struck a pose as needed for the photographers. All of us guests stood on the side of the catwalk watching them do their thang and fondly watched Kevan Hall adjust the gals' gowns as they sat down or sauntered about. I absolutely loved when a model took part in a scene such as this: Sitting on a pink chair, putting on a pair of hose, slipping on heels, and putting on a necklace...then getting up and walking back down the catwalk with a come-hither-me look. Had such a striking, dramatic appeal. Something you wouldn't witness at a big runway fashion show. There was even a moment toward the end of the show that the guests were encouraged to pose around the models for fun. I mean, hello, how great is that!



(Coty loving her som Heidi Klum!)

                                                  

(Coty and I after the show)

 

(Gloria Bass of Vintage Glo)



(Arun Nevader, Kaylene Peoples, and Kevan Hall)

   (Heather Petrey of LAFashionSnob.com)

                                                                                                                                                
Overall, it was quite a successful event. Kudos to Agenda Magazine's editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples for putting on such a memorable event! It was an honor to attend. My fashionista friend in tow, Coty, enjoyed herself as well, especially when she saw photos of Heidi Klum lining the hall walls as we entered (see her pic above...haha...) Some of the fabulous attendees, all of whom I respect and admire, included: jewelry designer Gloria Bass, book author Marilyn Anderson, celebrity and fashion photographer Arun Nevader, and LA fashion blogger and designer Heather Petrey.

I share my experience with you because I believe it's important for you to be familiar with all that I am involved with. After all, you're reading my blog to gain insight to the world of fashion and shopping. So sharing my firsthand accounts with designers and other talents is my pleasure. More to come!

Kevan Hall is the first designer to show his collection at Agenda Loft --  a performance loft and event venue with an urban skyline setting. Some of his celebrity clientele includes Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek, and Vanessa Williams.

(A moment to remember: Me and Kevan Hall)

                                      

Photo Credit: My camera!

Pledge $1 to Back a Popavina Fashion Show!

I was recently contacted by Los Angeles fashion designer Marina Rahlin, who introduced her line, Popavina, to me with great excitement. And you know me, I am all about one pursuing his or her passion! So I took a look at Marina's collection, and I'm loving the unique, fun appeal so much that I decided it must be presented to you, my fabulous Good Girl Gone Shopping readers. The name of her line developed out of her love for pop art, which is apparent in the color, cuts, and fabrics she uses. Feminine sillouettes, big jewelry, and bows are some of the elements in her signature style. (Pieces with intended wit and humor make for a perfect party dress, if you ask me.)

Now, in addition to chattin' it up about Marina's second collection, which is inspired by Bossa Nova music, classic literature, and the great energy of Los Angeles, I want to tell you about how you can become a backer for her fashion show. Fashion shows can be costly to front (think materials, photographers, models, and PR representation). So starting at $1, you can donate to her overall fund...while getting a reward in return! Marina most definitely doesn't want backers to walk away empty-handed. Donating a buck, you will receive a phone call or an e-mail (your choice) from Marina, in which she will personally thank you and discuss style tips, current trends, favorite designers and whatever is on your mind! Hellooooo...awesome! And if you're feeling way generous, she has it broken down on what you will receive if you donate $5, $10...all the way up to $1,000. I, personally, plan to pledge $25, so I can have a dress named after me, in which that named dress could be featured in magazines, boutiques, even worn by celebrities.

Please take a sec and check out her profile, video, and pledge info on Kickstarter.com. I only promote what I believe in, and I truly think this is genius. It's a win-win-situation for all!

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Popavina.com

Win a Chloe Red Necklace!

 ("Bridgette")

                                                                        ("Bernie")


You may have just finished reading my Ode to Accessories article -- one of the most recent blog posts about accessories, and how they can dramatically or subtly enhance an individual's look. So this is an extension of that, bringing you the chance to win an amazing Chloe Red necklace. Melissa, the Los Angeles-based designer and owner of Chloe Red, was generous enough to offer a lucky Good Girl Gone Shopping reader one of two necklaces from her collection (as sold on etsy). I was able to choose two pieces that I thought might interest you. Pictured above, the "Bridgette" has a classic feel and the "Bernie" has an ecclectic feel. You all have different personalities, so I'm sure there is one that you connect to more than the other. So, in this giveaway, yup -- I am giving you the option to choose your fave!

In order to win your Chleo Red necklace of choice:

(1) Comment and explain which necklace is your favorite, and why it attracts you.
(2) You must be a member of my Good Girl Gone Shopping Facebook group. To become a member, just click the "like" button on the right side of this blog or visit the page directly, by clicking here. Please say that you are a member within your comment.

*Contest closes next Sunday, the 16th, by 5 p.m. pac time. Winner will be chosen randomly, using Random.org. Open to U.S. residents only.

Some info about the designer: After meeting Melissa via Facebook -- THE social networking site that has given me the chance to meet and get to know amazing talents -- I soon learned about her work in the fashion industry. Her extensive background proves that she knows more than a thing or two about defining one's personal style through fashion and accessories. She has worked at Cosmpolitan Magazine and Jezebel Magazine as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Fred Segal. Having designed jewelry for New York stores, celebs, and her own personal clients, Melissa is also knowledgeable about the wholesale side of the industry; she has sold to such stores as: Intermix, ShopBop.com, Kitson, and Neiman Marcus.

After 10 years of experience in the fashion industry, Chloe Red was born. And I'm thinking that her decision to rise above and start making trendy jewelry for fashionistas everywhere was the right one. Her story may not only inspire you to follow your own path; it gives you some insight to the brain behind such a fabulous line. Don't you just love learning about the background of a designer? I know, I do. (Oh, and get this: She is also a personal stylist and fellow personal shopper. Check out her website -- chloe-red.com. It is beautiful and quite something!)

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Chloe Red

My 'Happy New Year' Movie Pick

It's 2011 -- 27 years since my favorite '80s flick "Footloose" hit the scene. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the original 1984 film, starring Kevin Bacon, you may want to see what it's all about. 'Cause in a nutshell, it shows how persistance can get you to where you wanna be.

It's basically all about a big-city kid who moves to a small town, only to be confronted with religious, uptight folk. Once he realizes that the minister (John Lithgow) has put a ban on dancing, "Ren McCormick" (Bacon) takes a stance and gathers his high school buddies to fight for their right. And that's what they do. My favorite scene to date is when Ren attends a City Hall meeting, with the minister leading the discussion on why dancing is not allowed (it can lead to sin). Ren explains that dancing is a form of expression and that they shouldn't have their rights taken away. Although his campaign has the town in an uproar, Ren does not back down, eventually seeing his way through. The finale: he makes a school dance happen with the permission of the minister.

Sorry -- I may have killed it for those who have never seen this movie and maybe planned to. But with 2011 here, marking a time when many of you are trying to make your resolutions come true, I must give a shout-out to this movie. It shows how speaking up and standing up for what you believe in can actually create positive results. Ren took the necessary routes to make things happen.

Yes, my blog is still dedicated to fashion and shopping, but the idea that one can truly make a difference should be a universal understanding. Making a difference, no matter the industry you work on, is something that all of us ultimately strive to do. So this is my "Happy New Year" movie -- a film that I belive you should take the time to watch. And oh yes, you will most likely be on your feet dancing to a fun '80s soundtrack. Think "Let's Hear it for the Boys" (Deneice Williams) and Kenny Loggins' "Footloose."

So make it a good year, and take what you need from this movie. You're bound to feel pretty motivated and inspired at the end -- feelings that help to catapult change.


Photo Credit: http://www.homevideos.com/