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LASplash.com: Style and Fashion Coco Johnsen Spring / Summer 2009 Collection Review – The Essence of Old Hollywood Glamour By Natanya Steelman (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Published Oct 27, 2008 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
