A moment after the first model with her eyes taped shut strutted casually on the runway at Joseph Domingo’s March 20th LA Fashion Week show, it was clear to us that the designer had intended the models to appear like walking mannequins. We got it immediately and we thought it was very clever. In fact we are sure that this particular effect was designed to grab the audience’ attention and rivet their focus. So, we just had to applaud the playfulness of this maneuver since we are fashionistas and adore pure audacity.
We were advised that the show was themed as Black+Red=Chocolate, so we knew in advance that Domingo was going to seduce us through our favorite addictions: fashion and chocolate and we were prepared to see if this collection could in fact titillate our fashion taste buds. Here are our favorites —
First of all, this collection had an abundance of wearable clothes. But more importantly we were suddenly excited by the appearance of pieces in a passionate, bold red and willingly surrendered to a case of high fashion “scarlet fever” as an allergic reaction to the cool muted pastels and metallics in every other collection.
A chic double-breasted wool coat with black buttons and piping looked very street smart for those chillier nights in LA, and any time in London or New York. The craftsmanship reminded us of our orders from the better bespoke Saville Row tailors that we visited when were in London. So, it was no surprise when Domingo confided to us privately during a backstage interview that, “London is one of my favorite cities… and of course… I worked for a company that manufactured jackets and coats many years ago.”
The coat paired with the matching sleeveless dress made sense in Los Angeles and will easily do double duty over skinny jeans and boots in New York. Either way, this ensemble is almost inseparable. Today, the red dress has truly evolved from a Valentine’s Day staple. It is a bona fide fashion statement about flare and confidence and as Domingo explained, “aside from the little black dress these days the little red dress is emerging as the new MUST HAVE.”
Our list of the best of the black begins with a sweet scoop necked brocade sleeveless “little black dress” with black ribbon that would well both day or night with the right coat and a change of accessories.
Domingo makes night dressing easy and comfortable with the black satin pairing of a loose fitting top cut to reveal smooth shoulders with loose fitting trousers belted with a satin bow cut low enough to reveal the tip of your six pack, if you have one.
A satin charcoal gray mini evening dress adorned with black beading hinted at Domingo ‘s Pilipino heritage, which he says, “puts a drop of Spanish influence into every collection.”
And, was fully realized in a glorious black lace evening dress with a tail fit for a Tango or a VIP After Party at a bull fight. Ole’
Marie Bargas
>
