The middle courtyard of the Laguna Design Center was transformed into a fashion runway this Saturday, as OC Fashion Week returned to grace us with up-and-coming fashion talent from Orange County and beyond.
The fashion show managed to feel like a large scale event yet with an intimate setting as white chairs lined the courtyard of the Laguna Design Center. The crowd consisted of families of the designers and well-dressed 20-somethings sipping on alcoholic drinks while gazing at the models and ensembles that walked past them.
Standouts of the show included Mayra Ayolouche, an Istanbul native and Orange County transplant, whose sparkly yet punky and feminine threads screamed fun, youthful and classy all at once.
Blues seemed to rule the show as many designers featured shades of indigo, cobalt, and azure in their collections. But no one owned the hue as much as Carly Vidal from Brisbane, Australia for her Urban Prima line. Vidal showed off her blues through navy and turquoise sequined dresses and a white with blue and purple pedal pattern.
Mercedeh Maralan says her SS16 collection was inspired by “the spirit of a 1960's Palm Springs” and it showed, as models shimmied down the runway to tropical pop music while showing off fitted and short lengthed minimalistic-brightly colored dresses. Maralan delivered a line perfect for any neo-mod hipster.
Ionica Moldovianu from Romania showed off curve-hugging, work-appropriate dresses, pantsuits and blazers in either black or white for her Ionica line. Imagine professional wear with a slight twist of Haute couture sophistication.
SanTana's own Jonathan Jimenez's collection seemed to pay homage to the desert chic heroine of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey. Jimenez's collection focused on earthy tones with light and drapey fabrics. Flared pants were also common.
Berenice Gonzales, who is originally from Mexico City, impressed with avant-garde and haute couture designs paired with lacy face-obscuring masks reminiscent of Maison Martin Margiela.
OC Fashion SS16 showed great diversity with designers hailing from all over the world who have chosen Orange County to be their creative mecca and we thank them for it. Oh, and to the model in a constricting yet fabulous couture dress who struggled to walk up a few steps yet finally suceeded—the crowd applause you received may have just been the highlight of this show. Until next season!
