Los Angeles Art Week: Style Choices From Frieze to Felix and Everything In Between
Trend-spotting at every art fair, after party, and after-after party during LA Art Week
Hannah Bhuiya
Fashion and art have always had an interesting relationship. Contentious to complementary. Moments too disruptive for commercialism to those essential collaborations that will go down in history. Since the first Frieze Los Angeles in 2019, the fashion stakes have steadily risen. Partners like 2019’s Matches Fashion and this year’s Stone Island have helped to carve out a spot for LA on the international fashion scene. The number of galleries and fashion brands activating and engaging with the city’s iconic locations has benefited the rise of satellite shows like the Felix Art Fair, which housed the Dover Street Market pop-up this year at the Roosevelt Hotel, and the various architectural gifts which have dotted the LA hillsides. Naturally, what to wear is as important as the art itself.
From Frieze to Felix, this year's art week forced Los Angeles denizens to toss out their sweats and flip-flops and show up to be part of the international dialogue. If you must, Balenciaga sweats could be a move, though I implore you to also think of post-postmodernism with Doublet. As we traverse the happenings between Santa Monica and the Hollywood Hills--from gallery parties to VIP opening days--let’s explore the sartorial style choices from the razor-sharp New York gallerinas to the publicists that lead them to the hot-daddy curators, indie rock-star babes, and cool-girl poets-of-the-moment. Ahead, we’ve clocked the trends that connected them all.
Red
Whether through a pop of rouge or a full-on scarlet suit, the fiery color made its way into looks of statement-making impact with minimal effort. Between days combing the fairs and nights hopping between the galleries, there's often no time to change — and red is the perfect choice for both.
Vintage
Patinated leather, shawls gifted from Lana Del Rey, and plenty of family hand-me-downs reflect a rich heritage of Cali antiquing. Vintage champions both uniqueness and sustainability, making for a perfect cocktail of personal style. The provenance of the looks took guests to the forefront of the fashionable conversation, a tasteful complement to the most moving of sculptural pieces.
Black
Black is always going to be a symbol of austere cool. Whether guests were closing deals or cocktailing the night away, inky ensembles provided the best disguise to go from business to play.
Deconstructed Tailoring
A broad array of deconstructed tailoring and unconventional fabrications played on the artful craft and decorum of Art Week style. Showgowers played with silhouette and proportion via unorthodox construction.
Downtown Cool
The spirit of '90s rebellion was in full effect, but you also could feel the influences of '70s punk and '80s downtown energy. New takes on Madonna’s Basquiat era and vampy girlies à la Buffy merited place in the art fair halls. The simple look of broken-in leather jackets, plaids, and denim proved to be endlessly effective and effortlessly cool. Quirky accessories helped subvert the signature grunge look.
Prints and Pattern Play
Guests mixed and clashed patterns, textures, and colors. Strong statements included a leopard sequin ensemble and an acid-wash Canadian tuxedo. All-over print prevailed as the most impactful punch to the senses.
Monochrome
There is an elegance to wearing a single color. It’s a great way to highlight personal taste without too much distraction. Pleated Issey Miyake pieces seem to be a standard of success, while contrasting accessories made for refined flourishes.
Color Therapy
Though deceptively casual, the alchemy of layering complementary shades is a brilliant strategy of personal expression. The colors, coupled with various textured fabrics, go beyond mere fashion. These folks should be teaching a masterclass on style.