Code C

Introducing LABEL + THREAD

2011-10-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

Code C featured in Amex Skybox Report

2011-02-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

Blend a multi-designer showroom with a art gallery and you’ve got Code C, the chic Sunset Plaza boutique that encompasses all of the modern woman’s wardrobe needs.

With more than a quarter of a century of fashion under his well-designed belt, Code C owner Andrea Rossetto knew exactly what he wanted in his first signature store. Having spent over 20 years with Benetton, he opened the first West Coast Just Cavalli stores and American MALO cashmere stores before making his own retail vision a reality.

“When I sold my Just Cavalli stores in 2009, I was approached by a group that owned six brands to develop a retail concept,” he explains. “The experience didn’t go further, but I decided to create a shop that I call a ‘multi mono brand.’ It’s a different environment from a regular store because it has more of a showroom feeling. We bring in fewer designers and display them in a way that the message is very simple and clear.”

Deciding to concentrate on designers whose work he really believed in (including Vivienne Westwood, Victor and Rolf and Louver by Louis Verdad), Rossetto then called on the merchandising and display talents of his wife, Marzia. Naming Code C after all the great “c” words in fashion (couture, contemporary, chic, California), she designed the shop with a series of rooms catering to every aspect of their clients’ lives.

“Upstairs we have special event clothing for movie openings or cocktail events,” says Andrea Rossetto. “In the main room we have elegant clothes for the Monday through Friday work week that you can also wear out to dinner. In our more casual room, it’s clothes for the weekend with the kids or a trip to the beach. The customer can travel through her week as she travels through the store.”

The boutique’s proprietors encourage shoppers to mix brands together to develop a look of all their own. This fresh mix of merchandise is why Code C is often called “the best-kept secret in L.A.” by their devoted clientele.

A revolving series of monthly art installations makes Code C even more of a destination for clients to drop in, share a chat and a glass of Prosecco. The warm, welcoming environment is enough of a success the Rossettos are looking to bring their unique shopping experience further up the California coast. “It’s a very particular store and can’t easily be duplicated, but we can take it towards the ocean, to Newport Beach or Pacific Palisades. It would be a natural expansion of Code C.”

Code C

8641 Sunset Boulevard

West Hollywood, CA 90069

codecusa.com

Spring has Sprung!!... well, at least in LA it has.

2011-01-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm looking out the window of our store in sunny LA and breathing a sigh of relief.... spring is here. Well, maybe not for New York or for most other cities in the US that still have 2 feet of snow on the ground. But for us lucky Angelenos, it's time to start working on putting together our summer wardrobe again!! Coincidentally, we just got the first deliveries of spring merchandise from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Viktor & Rolf, Dsquared2, A.L.C. and Byblos (yes, Byblos... they're back and better than ever!) From the looks of it, there's going to be a fashion frenzy this summer. We've got so much fantastic stuff coming in right now in all the right colors - Dsquared2 did a lot of orange this season, Viktor & Rolf are doing a lot of nude and beige, A.L.C. has blush, slate blue and bright white, and of course Westwood is all over the place... from red to blue to pink and yellow and a couple pieces in a more muted pallet - mauve, dusty purple and okra. Byblos is known for their use of color and print and this collection is no exception, bright pinks, blues and turquoise. Take a look at some of my personal favorite looks for the first deliveries and let me know what you think (and more importantly, when you'll be stopping by the store to try things on!)

I'll Take a Martini... Make It a Double.

2010-09-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

In case you're one of "those" kind of people who doesn't really read the news paper, (guilty.) we now have a new reason to start! The LA Times ran an article last week in their Sunday paper on boutiques highlighting and displaying art along with their clothing. And who do you think was at the forefront of that article, complete with a pic of the store and it's owner?... That's right, Code C! And we feel fabulous about it, to tell you the truth. We've been collaborating with different artists and displaying their installations since we opened our doors over a year ago.

If you've ever been into our store, you've seen some fantastic pieces from a few very talented people. Our newest installation is no exception. The Martini Factory, a media company headed by Kim Barbieri did an amazing collection of photos by Bjorn Wad (and styled impeccably by Mari Nes Aadnesen) and had them printed on satin, chiffon and poplin by AirDye Solutions. The result is super sexy, edgy, provocative and over all HOT! Here are a couple pics of the store with the new installation... but we definitely recommend stopping by to see them in person - You won't be disappointed!

Code C's motto has always been "Where Fashion Meets Art"... and it couldn't be more true!

Cheers! +Jared

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag!

2010-08-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly certain that when James Brown sang those famous words, he wasn't talking about THESE bags. BUT, they're definitely more than amazing enough to warrant a song about them from the 'Godfather of Soul'!! The newest bags from Vivienne Westwood have arrived at Code C and are causing quite a frenzy with the chicest of the chic in LA. There's something for every woman... classy and basic with an over-sized leather tassel, ultra cool architectural wool plaid and patent leather, fun multi color tartan on textured leather... and my personal favorite, the squiggle print brocade bag with a completely removable ruby red leather shell!! HELLO?!?! Two bags in one?! Why isn't everyone doing this? All of the new bags scream classic Vivienne Westwood - who is a master at designing pieces that are edgy, timeless and really really fabulously beautiful! Pictures don't do these bags justice but I'm posting them anyway so you can wet your whistle until you're able to see them in person (and probably buy one in every color).

To see the other colors and sizes available go to www.codecusa.com. Cheers!

+Jared

Roll Out the Red Carpet...

2010-07-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

   Here at Code C, we're ALL about modesty and keeping to our selves. We don't like to make a big deal out of anything... we just don't like to 'Toot our own horn' as it were. (I hope you're picking up the sarcasm here 'cause I'm layin' it on pretty thick!) ;) Seriously though, we've had an exciting and SUPER fun week here at the store. In case you were hanging out with Lindsay Lohan at her swanky new pad in Lynnwood Correctional Facility and missed all of our Facebook postings, here is a little recap so you don't feel left out of the conversation at the water cooler.

   We started out our week with a really cool video shoot for Notice Magazine's online 'Style Watch' blog. Editor in Chief, Sony Martin, happens to be a very good friend of mine and asked if they could film in the store AND if I would style the whole thing! Since I'm currently in the process of clawing my way to the top, I jumped at the chance. Side note - I habitually underestimate how long my little projects will take... So, true to form, filming took more than twice as long as planned. BUT, it was definitely worth it because everything turned out perfect! (I'll post the link to the videos in a couple weeks) Monday, the new princess of pop, Kristine Elezaj, came in with her mom (who is hilarious) and picked up some Diesel, Black Gold, Valerj Pobega and Vivienne Westwood - including my favorite pink tartan blazer. The next day, my love for the new collections in the store grew by about 20 pieces including new Viktor & Rolf and Dsquared2 for men and women. It was definitely much needed! Celebrity stylist, Bernard Jacobs, ended up pulling most of the new Dsquared2 men's collection for a photo shoot with Ray J. Then, Wednesday, the fabulous Melanie Griffith came in with her daughters and ultra-chic, Vivian Turner. BTW, you could bounce a quarter off of any part of Melanie Griffith's body. She looked great in EVERYTHING and ended up getting some really great pieces from A.L.C., Vivienne Westwood and Viktor & Rolf.

   As if all of that wasn't enough, yesterday we had one of my FAVORITE singers, Brandy, come in with a couple friends who shopped, laughed and sipped champagne while filming an episode for season 2 of her show, 'Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business'! Let me be clear - I have loved Brandy since I was a 10-year old boy who wanted micro braids cause she made them look so cool. Thank God I didn't follow through with that one! Brandy totally fell in love with us and the store (Naturally! The girl has great taste!) and will be back in a few days to pick up the Vivienne Westwood striped asymmetrical polo shirt dress, a piece from A.L.C. and a necklace from Mitchel Primrose that she was lusting over. All in all, I think this week is really setting the tone for all the events happening here in the next couple months. We're keeping you all busy and entertained with a new art installation by The Martini Factory, a party for the grand re-opening of the Sunset Strip and our 1 year anniversary, 'Fashion Night Out' and LOTS more!! Make sure you keep up with us on Facebook so you're the first to know about anything having to do with Fashion and Art. I'll sign off now with a couple pics of Kristine Elezaj and filming with my new BFF (even if she doesn't know it), Brandy.

Cheers!
+Jared

All Hail Queen Vivienne!!

2010-07-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

   Los Angeles has been feeling a void for quite some time now. Not a void caused by the recession or the weather or even the BP oil spill. I'm talking about the void caused by a lack of available high-end fashion in LA. It's the kind of void you try to fill with anything available - food, cars, maybe even sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. Personally, nothing has worked YET! Well, you can thank God, Allah, Buddha... whatever deity you want because the ladies can finally consider that void officially filled! I'm ecstatic to announce that Code C has received the first half of the new collection from VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL!!! Before now it was virtually impossible to find in the Western half of the US. Even in fashion capitols like New York, you really had to know where to look for it.

   Let me tell you - as a lover of fashion, a student of fashion design and one of the buyers for Code C - this collection is Amazing! It's sexy, tailored, feminine, edgy and architectural all at the same time. I'm just gonna say it - Vivienne Westwood is a genius. With all of her years of experience, Her Majesty has perfected the art of creating a collection that appeals to just about everyone: young, mature, thin, thick, tall and short. You've got colors and prints ranging from khaki to magenta tartan to sapphire to grey plaid and of course classic black in the most interchangeable group of separates I've ever seen. Although I would love to post the entire collection, it just won't fit. So, I'll post my favorite 6 items/looks and for the rest of the collection you can visit http://www.codecusa.com/.
   ALL HAIL QUEEN VIVIENNE!!!

As always, for more info, pictures or personal styling tips you can email us at sunset@codecusa.com or call 310.652.0200 or visit us in person at 8641 W. Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood.

Cheers!

+Jared

The Return of the 'Jelly Shoe'!!

2010-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

   The Jelly Shoe, in case you were wondering, is officially BACK... and coincidentally, better than ever! Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Melissa shoes have teamed up to create an extremely stylish and feminine collection of shoes that will leave you wanting more and smelling amazing. The once extremely popular flat shoe has been reinvented and transformed into a high heel that is wearable, comfortable and SCENTED! That's right - "Smelly Jellies". Although still available in a flat, the heels and platforms are what really caught my eye.

   The show-stopper in the collection is a beautiful black, winged platform that looks like it was inspired by a Geisha in Harajuku and the Greek God, Nike. You may be asking yourself, "REALLY?!" - but only until you actually see the shoe. It's BEAUTIFUL! And although you probably won't be walking up any steep hills (it also has a cut out heel) you will be garnering the attention of anyone within eye sight. The extremely close runner-up for fav shoe is an ultra girly pink iridescent peep toe with cherries on top... literally. Also amazing is the 3-strap heels available in gold and a deep plum. Last, but certainly not least, is the light pink peep toe flats with bows on the top of the toe. The perfect shoe for a casual look when you still want to make a statement.

For more info on these FANTASTIC shoes, drop by the store, call or email one of our personal stylists. Make sure you get 'em while they're hot! ;)

+Jared

LA Chic: The newest sunglasses from Vivienne Westwood

2010-07-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

What's more "LA" than a pair of over-sized sunglasses?! The newest shades from Vivienne Westwood can make anyone look like a celeb whether you're at the Farmer's Market or getting your 'morning joe' from Coffee Bean. If you really want to do it right, you can pair them with the new HAUTE Viktor & Rolf bags that just arrived.

This first pair is definitely for the ultra chic girl looking to finish ANY outfit. The gradient lens really adds mystery and luxury to the overall aesthetic while the jeweled Vivienne Westwood logo at the corners make it unique and fun. This frame also comes in an all black version with a dark grey lens.

Next we have my personal favorite (and my next purchase). These Malcom X - inspired frames are an example of a major fashion trend revival. Shown in tortoise shell and gold with a gradient taupe lens, and also offered in black/gun metal w/ grey lens. These sunglasses are the corner stone of your own fashion revolution!!

Our third pair is what any 70's - inspired fashion goddess SHOULD be wearing! They're sexy, flirty, and seductive... basically, they're 'fashion PORN'! I, for one, couldn't love them more. Shown in black with a grey gradient lens, they are also available in tortoise shell with a taupe gradient lens. We're ready for our close up Mr. DeMille!!

For any of these frames, call or email Jared, Sophia or Aubrey at 310.652.0200 or sunset@codecusa.com

+ Jared

Photos by August Bradley

2010-06-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Check out these beautiful photos taken by August Bradley taken inside Code C's store

New Arrivals - A.L.C. Summer 2010 Collection

2010-05-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Created by Andrea Lieberman, A.L.C. is a fully realized collection comprised of daring silhouettes, chic, modular separates, and perfectly engineered basics. The pieces bring new perspective to the needs of a modern wardrobe while improving upon the canon of essentials. The collection is a series of sophisticated must-haves guided by the principle that the way forward is to own clothes you love to wear enough to wear again and again

Androgyny by Mitchel Primrose

2010-05-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

The New Collection:

"Androgyny"

We are very excited here at Code C! We just got the new collection in from Mitchel Primrose, a new-to-the-scene jewelry designer making quite a name for himself. In fact, I think everyone working at Code C placed a separate order with Mitchel for personal use besides what we got for the store. This new collection was inspired by "elements of machined metals mixed with primitive findings. Stone, steel, faux suede and aged vintage beads". We definitely see where he was coming from and can't wait for what's coming next. Me and Sophia picked our top 5 pieces from the new collection to share with you. Let us know what you think and how many you want! ;)

'The Amazon Necklace' - Steel, Onyx and Faux Suede ($176) This first piece is number one on our list. We love the simplicity and the raw, tribal feeling of it. Great if you're going for something edgier. Wear it with some distressed combat boots for the ultimate look.

'Onyx High Chief Necklace' - Matte Onyx ($224)
This one is definitely a close 2nd place. Origionally made as a men's necklace, we like it for women too. It's something you throw on with a tank or plain, loose t-shirt and your favorite skinny jeans for a cool, understated look.

'Tribal Necklace' - Faux Suede, Steel and Onyx ($176)
The third necklace is one of our favorites because of how Mitchel organized and mixed the different materials. It looks like something you might do on accident... a VERY CHIC ACCIDENT!! Of course, we know that it all has it's own rhyme and reason and couldn't love it more!

'Triple Strand Bracelet' - Steal and Onyx ($176)
The two strands of matte onyx go great with the single chain, making this easy to wear by itself or layer with other spikes, studs and chains.

'High Chief Bracelet' - Steel, Onyx and Aluminum ($198)
Simple and Rocker Chic... You might expect to see this bracelet (and many of the other pieces) on the wrist of someone like Kate Lanphear, the Fashion editor at Elle Magazine. If you are unfamiliar - check her out below.

Susan Woo's Fall/Winter Collection at Fashion Week

2010-05-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Susan Woo's Fall/Winter Collection at Fashion Week

New York-based clothing designer Susan Woo presented her 2010 Fall/Winter Collection at theBryant Park Hotel yesterday.

The collection, which consisted of silk and wool pieces in such colors as scarlett, black, cream and olive, were accompanied by shoes designed by Michael Antonio.

Unlike many other collections one might expect to see strutting down a runway this week, every piece in the Susan Woo collection is extremely wearable. Innovative and sophisticated designs were flattering and consistent across the entire line.

Gallery: Susan Woo's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Woo, 27, is a graduate of Cornell University who grew up in Roslyn, New York. She cut her teeth working for Derek Lam, Louis Vuitton and and Chanel before setting out on her own. Her first collection was introduced in the fall of 2009.

The environmentally-conscious designer selects natural products such as organic wool and silk crepe. She chooses to have her designs manufactured by only eco-friendly factories that employ fair labor practices

The 2010 Fall/Winter Collection was built around a beautiful cream and black silk crepe full-length gown with a boat neck. "I always start with one piece and it escalates from there," she explains. "It sets the tone for the silhouettes and the tone."

"I love that it is white, because most pieces people wear black in the fall and winter," adds Woo. "It stands out. I love the contrast and how graphic it is."

The Susan Woo line is carried by LouisBoston in Boston, Chalk in Evanston, Ill., Code C in Los Angeles, Debut in New York, and Kaight in New York.

Black Stretch Gabardine Trench Coat by Louver

2010-05-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Fall Winter Trends from Viktor & Rolf

2010-04-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Meet your new favorite bootie for fall - the fur trimmed ankle boot with rubber wedge heel. They're shown in a beautiful mocha shade of brown that we think will be a hot color for this coming fall/winter season. We also love the rubber sole esthetically and for added comfort... you'll be turning heads all day long! :)

Next, we have the knee-high boot with elastic gusset and rubber platform. This is one boot that you'll definitely want in more than one color. The elastic gusset makes it able to fit to a smaller or bigger calf and the rubber platform looks sexy and adds comfort to a fairly high heel.

And finally, the perfect compliment to any outfit in your closet - the Swarovski crystal-trimmed heel! Its delicate, feminine and definitely makes a statement. It's also a shoe that you'll be wearing long after the fall/winter season has come and gone.

If you have any requests, comments or questions about these or any other Viktor & Rolf clothing, shoes or bags - stop by the store, give us a call or you can ALWAYS email us at sunset@codecusa.com. Fall/Winter merchandise starts arriving in June. We'll be updating the website as things arrive. Stay tuned!!

Press - Town & Country

2010-04-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Diesel Black Gold

2010-04-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

New arrivals at Code C - Autumn Cashmere

2010-04-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Lopez wearing ALC by Andrea Liberman

2010-01-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

Nikki Hilton in Louver by Louis Verdad

2010-01-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Code C in LA Confidential Jan/Feb 2010 Issue

2010-01-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

Code C in LA Magazine Jan 2010 Issue

2010-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

Code C in Genlux Magazine Winter 09/10 Issue

2009-12-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Code C in Signature Magazine

2009-12-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Vincent & Sid Vintage Event at Code C

2009-12-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the Season with Code C & Page School

2009-12-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

RackedLA.com- David Galan's Hot Arm Candy at Code C

2009-11-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, by Lisa Boosin

As single girls, we've always been told that we'd find love as soon as we stopped looking for it. And that advice turns out to be true—at least when it comes to handbags.

When we were visiting the Sustainable Sirens installation at Code C, we fell hard for this collection of purses from David Galan. They have all of the bells and whistles we like: touchable textures (pony hair or supple, buttery leather), unique shapes, architectural details, and shiny, bold hardware. They're sized just right, too. (Big enough to spaciously accommodate the essentials, but you can't fit a small human into one of these). David Galan's creations provide the same glamorous finish as a piece of jewelry; and they offer a just-so combination of girly and tough.

The bags range in price from low $200s for the smaller bags and wallets, to the high $700s for the bigger pieces. A real bargain for bags of this quality (especially since it's like getting a purse and jewelry, too).

About Racked LA
Racked LA is a blog about shopping, neighborhood stores and the retail scene of Los Angeles.

The Sustainable Sirens make Hollywood's greenest costumes

2009-11-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

Making movies can be dirty business, as headlines like “Hollywood’s Monster-Sized Carbon Footprint” have pointed out. Now, a new campaign called The Sustainable Sirens is using the detritus of the entertainment industry as the raw materials for an eco-fashionable call to green up film, television, and theater.

Put together by Reel Green Media, an environmental consulting company for the entertainment industry, The Sustainable Sirens campaign’s designed around six costumes — each made by costume designer Kresta Lins with items normally discarded after production, and each with its own eco-theme like energy efficiency or e-waste.

So far, just one pilot dress has been made (illustrated photo above). Dubbed “Let Them Recycle!”, the costume features typical waste in the costume department — and has already been on display at Paramount Pictures!

According to Lauren Selman, founder of Reel Green Media, the remaining five dresses will be created by Earth Day 2010.The upcycled costumes will then serve as the centerpieces for a larger public service campaign, which will include informational posters featuring the costumes that crew members and others working in the industry can refer to, a traveling eco-educational exhibit of the costumes, and an online campaign with practical greening tips for those in the entertainment industry.

Angelenos can see the pilot dress in person at a sustainable fashion event tomorrow, Nov. 19 from 5 pm – 8 pm at fashion boutique Code C, 8641 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Everyone’s invited to enjoy a free glass of champagne while toasting The Sustainable Sirens campaign — and a trunk show for eco-fashion line Re-Collection, made entirely out of upcycled materials by designer PJ Faulstick.

Image courtesy of Reen Green Media

RackedWire: Get Good Clothes Karma at Code C

2009-11-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

SUNSET PLAZA—Our friends at Code C are throwing a party for two events (on the same night!) that look and sound amazing: On Thursday, November 19th, from 5pm to 8pm, stop by for a holiday trunk show for the Re Collection brand and an installation for Sustainable Sirens. Re Collection takes unique vintage garments and reimagines them into fresh, modern shapes that are thoroughly wearable: staples like jeans, jackets and dresses that offer a lot of bang for your buck. The collection is a perfect pairing with the Sustainable Sirens, which is actually a public service campaign created to encourage the entertainment industry to clean up its collective act by recycling and becoming more waste-conscious. They've created unique, fabulous costumes from production department junk to raise awareness and publicize the cause. Cruise by to shop, nosh and get behind a worthy cause. 8641 Sunset Blvd. (310-652-0500) [Racked LA Blog]

ShopEatSleep.com

2009-11-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

If you feel the need to spend some dough after work today, check out
Re Collection trunk show: Code C boutique on Sunset Plaza is hosting a trunk show with Re Collection, a clothing line that repurposes vintage garments into new pieces. There will also be an art installation from The Sustainable Sirens, a public service campaign committed to educating the entertainment industry through the design of unique costumes from recyclable items from film shoots. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, shop for sustainable clothing while sipping on champagne. It’s so L.A.
Maya Meinert - shopeatsleep.com

Refinery.com

2009-11-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

LA Sales: Heist, Ports 1961, Ooga Booga, Keep Company, Generic Surplus, and More...

By Lisa Dionisio

What: The Code C boutique is highlighting a special Sustainable Sirens campaign with a Re Collection holiday trunk show. Shop Re Collection's eco-friendly re-worked vintage pieces, get a first look at their new spring/summer '10 line, sip cocktails, and more.
When: Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Code C, 8641 Sunset Boulevard, (between N. Sherbourne and Sunset Plaza drives); West Hollywood; 310-652-0200.

Reel Green Media presents The Sustainable Sirens at Code C

2009-11-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

Join Us! FREE Champagne Reception this Thursday, November 19th, 5-8pm to toast THE SUSTAINABLE SIRENS campaign.
The Sustainable Sirens is a unique public service campaign that directly addresses sustainability in various departments of film, television, and theater production by using a series of six expertly designed costumes made solely from items normally discarded after production. Each costume has its own eco-theme ranging from e-waste to composting to energy efficiency.
Each dress is the basis for an informational poster that will be printed for prop houses, production companies and on-set base camps to help crew members and production designers recognize the ways that they can reduce, reuse and recycle on set.

8641 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 652-0200 www.codecusa.com sunset@codecusa.com

Event: Re-Collection exclusive at Code C

2009-11-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

We are excited to bring you an event of "FASHION WITH A CONSCIENCE".
ReCollection has never had a problem being 'green'. This eco-friendly clothing line uses 100% recycled clothing, transforming vintage pieces into chic modern styles.
Come join us to experience a rare interplay of fashion exclusivity and conservation. We believe that no one should have to sacrifice being fashionable to do their part for the environment.
Reel Green Media is sponsoring this event presenting the Sustainable Siren project.

8641 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 652-0200 www.codecusa.com

Fashion News | Fashion Week News | ApparelNews.net

2009-11-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2010: Louver by Louis Verdad

October 20, 2009

Photos by Volker Corell

Classic Louis Verdad. That was the look the designer sent down the runway for his Louver by Louis Verdadcollection, shown on Oct. 13 at Downtown L.A. Fashion Week at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.

Verdad, who has been on hiatus, made his return to the runway with a classic and timely collection.
The designer said he was inspired by first lady Michelle Obama when creating the collection, which is made up of classically chic silhouettes and an all-American nautical flair. He explored the contrasts of black and white by using predominantly black models and a cream palette. “I’m really inspired by Michelle Obama—really, truthfully. I’ve been looking at her. I felt that it’s an amazing time for African-American women. I wanted to relate it to the hope that we all Americans have,” Verdad said.
The collection was also an exploration of his own black and white side. “I know that I can be rough and exuberant, but then I can also be sweet and dramatic but classic and timeless,” he said.
Silhouettes had a vintage flair with styles such as high-waisted pants, ruffled blouses and chic sheath dresses. There were plenty of sportswear, including pants suits, flirty skirts and jumpsuits, as well as dramatic red-carpet gowns. Verdad’s focus on classic elegance was also an effort to keep the collection economically feasible. He worked in a monochromatic palette in fabrics such as lightweight wool gabardine, silk crepe, silk charmeuse and striped silk chiffon and experimented with details such as pleating, lace and corset-like waist treatments. The look was accented with navy and a touch of gold including lame gloves and belts draped with chains. Shoulder treatments, drop-crotch pants and a sexy bodysuit modernized the look.—N. Jayne Seward

LA MAG.COM- The Chic Leak Blog

2009-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

“If you want black pants, go to H&M and get them for $20,” Andrea Rossetto told me at the recent opening of his and his wife's new store Code C. The boutique is not aiming to be all things to all people. Instead, it wants to set itself apart by “staying with few brands, and letting the collection speak.” That means Code C offers most, if not all, of a designer’s collection. That’s a rare thing to find in the bits-and-pieces retail landscape of late. Mike & Chris, A.L.C, Louver by Louis Verdad, ReCollection, Nandini, and Koi Suwannagate are the labels making Code C an important new fashion destination--and a supporter of local talent. The store also stocks candles, fragrance, shoes, and handbags.

—Ray Mosci at 11/04/2009 02:50:59 PM

Style Section LA : Code C

2009-11-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Code C Boutique to Open at Sunset Plaza – stocking Marchesa, Mike & Chris and Cynthia Vincent

Written by Catherine Chang on October 16, 2009

Photo: Marchesa gown, courtesy of Marchesa.
Code C, an upscale boutique opening next Friday at Sunset Plaza, may just become one of my go-to shopping spots.
The shop boasts an impressive lineup of labels — Cynthia Vincent, A.L.C., Mike & Chris, Marchesa and Koi Suwannagate are all stocked – and will also host regular art installations.
Owners Andrea and Marzia Rossetto envisioned the two-level space as a place where designers collections could “come to life.” Hmm. Pragmatically speaking, that means each collection is displayed in its entirety — a rarity on the retail front.
And the art installations help create a boutique-meets-gallery vibe. Israeli artist Gal Harpaz, who works with Polaroid film to capture his world in “fragments,” will be the first exhibitor.
But, ultimately, the store’s high-lower mix of merch looks to be the main draw. How many boutiques exist where you can pick up a floaty Marchesa frock and super skinny Diesel denim? Might just be a winning concoction in this crap economy.

Style Section LA : Valerj Pobega

2009-11-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

PRETTY TOUGH: Model-turned-designer Valerj Pobega, who's set to show her Spring 2010 collection at Gen Art's 'Fresh Faces in Fashion' showcase on Thursday. All photos courtesy of Valerj Pobega.

Drama Queen
Designer Valerj Pobega brings her high-end (and even higher-drama) collection to Gen Art's 'Fresh Faces in Fashion' show.

By Emili Vesilind

Published on October 28, 2009
Designer Valerj Pobega’s clothes are expensive – $800 to $5,000 per piece, to be exact. But when you see them up close, the budget-busting prices feel almost reasonable.
Hand-dyed and rife with uncommon details, every garment feels like a one-off; something Pobega whipped up for a friend’s glamorous birthday soiree set to take place on a yacht.
And there’s good reason for that. The L.A.-based designer crafts each garment in her collection by hand (and by herself) in her Culver City studio. Rendering each piece, in effect, singular.
“I’m a one-woman show for now,” said Pobega, a former fashion model who was raised on the Italian island of Sardinia and speaks with a thick, musical accent. “I’m either special or crazy! For now, it’s okay. It’s my passion. In the future, if I get bigger, I will produce, but it will still be handmade. Maybe I'll get a couple of seamstresses.”

GO WITH THE FLOW: Pieces from Pobega's Fall 2009 collection.
The 33-year-old designer, who launched her eponymous line for Spring 2008, will likely be garnering more attention – from shoppers and retailers -- after Thursday night, when she sends her Spring 2010 collection down the runway as part of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion show at L.A.'s Petersen Automotive Museum.
Pobega, who usually skips the catwalk scene, said she’d been kicking around the idea of showing at Gen Art for years – but only now feels ready. “I think this is the perfect collection to show in this way,” she said. “The theme is my signature silhouette, which is 20s and 30s, but very twisted and dark, with hint of Japanese bondage.”
The designer considers the eveningwear offerings, which will be loaded with tops and dresses, “my strongest collection so far. I’m working 25 hours a day on it right now. I’m such a perfectionist.”
Pobega’s designs, which are sold at L.A. boutiques Church and Code C, always feel confident – but they require an equally self-assured wearer to pull them off, as there’s often a costume-lite feel to them. Tops with a single sleeve that ascends a good five inches off the shoulder, ombre-dyed flapper dresses and ballooning harem pants aren’t for the fashion-fearful. Pobega's theatrical aesthetics have also served her well in her longstanding side project: making Sixties-inspired getups for Inara George, the model-esque singer of L.A. indie band The Bird and the Bee.
“I love old movies, silent movies and crazy documentaries,” noted Pobega, when clicking off her design inspirations. “Like, a Russian movie with Japanese subtitles. I also have a passion for old music…and amazing old fabric.”
The designer moved to L.A. with her husband in 2004, after falling in love with the gritty city while on vacation. “I think L.A. is a great platform for emerging talent,” she said. “I think what’s happening here is kind of what was happening in New York in 80s and 90s. It’s really supportive of new designers and there’s a lot of talent coming out of L.A.”
evesilind@stylesectionla.com