Los Angeles-based fashion house Thrive introduced their 2007-08 Fall/Winter Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, held at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. The show was amply delayed by the paparazzi frenzy surrounding a photo-worthy patron in the front row, whom I later recognized as Paula Abdul. After the swarms of shutterbugs finally subsided, things got underway. The collection was called "Flowers In the Garden of Consciousness," and combined modernism and romanticism, with a definite edge, revealing at times a dark, striking contrast to the girly glamour of the Charlotte Solnicki show I had seen earlier that day.

The line had both androgynous and feminine qualities, favoring taupe, blush, brown, and midnight blue, with black and gray foundations. Standout fabrics included silk chiffon, metallic satin, wool-cashmere gabardine, french lace, italian sweater knits, and japanese wools. Pieces included man-tailored separates, floor-length and pencil skirts, and bubble shorts and tops. Present throughout were pleats, pinstripes, and tassels, along with thin layered tanks and well-worn t-shirts.  Accents of ruffles and lace kept the collection from quickly being pinned as  'goth' (to quote a word I could hear being whispered around me), in the form of flowy blouses with graduated tiers of fabric and loose, shimmery slip dresses.

 Once I learned a little about Thrive's background and where their unconventional fashion vision comes from, I understood and appreciated the label's theme and the thinking behind it. Founders Rob Meadows and Ali Shahryari originally got their start in the technology industry, and, after leaving a successful mark, went on to create the LA-based brand, known as a free-thinking company that promotes innovative ideas and acceptance of diversity. Fueled by their own personal experiences and shared passion for art and culture, their creations continue to Thrive and prosper!

 Plus, they're doing more than just bringing sexy back - they're bringing intellectual sexy back, and will continue to do so into the summer of 2007, when they will announce new additions to their design team. Thrive is supportive of up-and-coming talent, and always open to the idea of investing in newcomers.  This show was intense and bold and definitely made a statement.

My interpretation of that statement was that I should give leather another chance. I say this because just like in the last line, a fabulous leather jacket made a lasting impression this time it was hooded, fitted, and paired with a floor length black skirt that managed to appear stylish, not sullen.  As someone who has never been a big fan of leather coats and even less of a fan of short, figure-bearing jackets, I was certainly having my fashion faith tested; Testing is fine, my only concern is, once I pass, can I afford my newfound beliefs?

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