Ridin’ Out Her Vision - Maggie BarryWhen you’re unfamiliar with a designer’s style and her background in fashion, it’s practically impossible to be disappointed with what’s being flaunted on stage. Most people would argue that it’s all art anyway, whether deemed as “good” or “bad” by the masses. And most people would also say that Los Angeles designer Maggie Barry is one of those good ones. In fact, her Spring 2006 ride-em-cowboy collection is a visionary tale worth telling. Showcased at the Twin Springs Building off Spring Street, Barry was among the many-featured designers that took part in the P.KABU L.A. Fashion Week Runway Series, a low-key and less populated event than Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. Strapless side cutout dresses in vibrant shades of reds and blues, paired with cowboy boots, buckled hip huggers, and fringes swaying in the wind kept things oh so interesting. With a model walking the walk with guitar in tow, the evening was an entertaining look at sexy western wear and her unique interpretation of casual fashion meets glam. White jeans, mini-skirts, short shorts, and eclectic accessories were spunky and right on. Now take a quick step back. An FIT graduate from New York City, Barry went from starting her own accessory line to starting her own company, Van Buren, to emerging as a solo designer in 1996, then launching the Maggie Barry collection in 2000. With outrageous success during the Van Buren era, having custom created designs for musicians Donna Summers, Lenny Kravitz, Billy Idol, and Cher, Barry catered to the “body conscious consumer of the 80s and 90s.” She was known for “clothing celebrities and wanna-bees in edgy leather jackets, pants, and bustiers.” Now her self-titled collection embraces the more feminine side of fashion, like using soft rayon lycra jersey just flowing over a woman’s curves, and featuring light, flowing separates and dresses. All in all, Barry keeps things modern, versatile, and what else, but hot. Written by Elana Pruitt |
