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(Beverly Hills) October 14, 2008 – Models gracefully swept down the cozy runway wearing
Coco Johnsen’s Prêt-à-Porter Spring / Summer 2009 Collection in celebration of self-empowerment and modern feminine beauty at the
Audis Husar Fine Art Gallery in the heart of
Beverly Hills.
Whether short and sassy or long and elegant, this collection of chic dresses showcases
Coco’s ability to utilize a wide range of classic cuts, soft fabrics and simple patterns with confidence and flair. For the
Prêt-à-Porter Collection,
Coco gained inspiration from “old, great Hollywood movies” and 30s and 40s starlets, such as
Greta Garbo, Jane Russell, Betty Davis, Sofia Loren and
Grace Kelly.
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Blue Flamingo: asymmetrical cocktail gown with flamingo sleeve (left) and La Sofia: asymmetrical silk tier dress (right)
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To capture the
glamour of these timeless, independent women,
Coco combines distinctive, yet
simple cuts and
silhouettes with
Spanish and
Asian
accents. Specifically, Coco's designs employ
Flamenco inspired ruffles and polka dots, as well as
Kimono sleeves
, in order to show off her personal panache.
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Lola: silk chiffon metallic polka dot gown (left) and Tiggy: chartreuse asymmetrical dress with kimono sleeves (right)
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Coco employs many other
playful finishes in order to transform simple pieces into timeless and unique designs, including pleats, asymmetrical cuts, ruffles and fishtail bottoms.
Most notable are the
silhouette style mermaid
dresses and
empire waist, flowy gowns compliment the feminine figure
ever so perfectly – cinching at the waist, clinging seductively to the
hips and then trailing delicately to the floor.
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Raven Nest: strapless gown with silk chiffon wrap (left) and English Swan: backless gown with ruffle accent (right)
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On the one hand, by adding ruffles to the breast of a simple, straight neckline,
Coco creates a sophisticated and preppy look. On the other hand, by incorporating large ruffles from the knees down on a long, fitted gown, the style becomes that of
“Old Hollywood” glamour.
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Canary Gifted: elongated tiers with an oversized bow (left) and Vita: strapless metallic silk mermaid gown with flounce train (right)
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Coco also combines
rich fabrics – silk chiffons and tulles; bronze metal, stainless steel and platinum piyets; and metallic taffeta - with
vibrant colors, such as fuchsia, electric blue, canary yellow and emerald green, to express power and strength of women, while evoking a sense of happy, light-heartedness.
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Damsel: platinum piyet halter gown with silk chiffon ruffle wrap (left) and La Contessa: pleated halter gown with tulle (right)
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What sets
Coco’s 2009 fashion show apart from her past ones, is its objective: to raise awareness for the
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Foundation, which assigns volunteers to foster children to help make crucial decisions and monitor their living situations.
Coco turned down a personal invitation to showcase the
Prêt-à-Porter Spring / Summer 2009 Collection at
Smashbox Studios in order to work with
Audis Husar to donate to
CASA.
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Coco wore her own design, "Ani," to the show - a platinum beaded, backless cocktail dress
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Because
Coco was once an orphan herself, this organization is held dear to her heart and has been a source of creative inspiration in life. Since her days in foster care,
Coco has evolved into a woman of the world:
Coco spent her childhood in North Carolina, studied in Brazil and then modeled throughout South Africa, Sweden, Germany and Norway. Today,
Coco Johnsen’s flirty designs are admired locally in
Los Angeles, all the way to
New York, Dubai and
Tokyo.
Photographs compliments of
Studio 838, www.studio838.com
For more information on
Coco Johnsen, visit www.cocojohnsen.com
For more information on
CASA, visit www.nationalcasa.org
For more information on
Audis Husar Fine Art Gallery, visit www.audishusar.com
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