They're finally here! I have been hearing about the new collection from Jonny Cota, one of the three talented designers behind Skingraft Designs. He was in Bali to oversee the production of the following. When asked what is the inspiration behind the Spring 2010 collection, he says, "Amelia Earhart and skeletons."

They couldn't have chosen a better model for the photoshoot: Katrina Hunter, an angelic beauty represented by L.A Models whose metamorphosis into Amelia Earhart is flawless, with a modern twist. Photography by Ben Cope of Boxeight Studios.

Photo: Ben Cope
Hair & Makeup: Anthony Gordon
Stylist: Marcus Paglialonga
Model: Katrina Hunter and Keith Wilson

Window Display by Jonny Cota for Opening Night

April 29th, 2009

Meilinda Soerjoko

Great official opening night for Skin.Graft! One of my favorite L.A-based labels, Skin.Graft impressed me with their store layout and decoration, particularly the African taxidermy on the walls, personal collections of Jonny Cota, one of three of the label's designers, who gave me the grand tour.

Located on 4th street in Downtown L.A (very, very different from Downtown NY), the store and showroom space includes their men and women's collections including the luscious couture pieces seen at Boxeight L.A Fashion Week. The opening drew an interesting and(read:good-looking) well-dressed crowd, just like their Fashion Week's show.

Stark contrast is ubiquitous with white walls and antiquities-like pieces and the clothing themselves. The gorgeous leather accesories from girls' harness to the unisex-but-looks-hot-in-a-man pocket-holster, reminiscent of a gun holster, is the perfect alternative to the man purse. This has all of my approval to be the next hot trend and I will place them pics here as soon as I have them.

Jonny also showed me a glimpse on what's in the works for their next collection and I am genuinely excited for them! Spring 10 inspiration: Amelia Erheart and skeletons. I'll kill you with the suspense and won't give too much away for now.

As I looked around their work room, I began to understand why I seem to have an innate sense of admiration towards the designs: the love of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Jonny told me that as soon as the pieces are done, he's bringing them, patterns included, to the beautiful island of Bali where the label's clothing is manifactured. I imagine the cows are blessed over there before leather is made out of them. Karmarific!

To some it may sound as if I work for the label. I don't. I just cannot shut up when it comes to discovering a designer or label that I have a crush with. When I saw the store front that Jonny Cota designed, I had nothing to say but "oooooh" for a good 5 seconds. It translates to breathtaking.

As promised will post more pics as I have them. Mark the Cobrasnake was photographing the event, should be very good pictures. =)

xo

minx.

PS: Official opening to the public is this Sunday, May 3rd. See below.

Fall 09 collection. Photo: Jessica Camacho.