America… Death or Glory. Decades of style through the eyes of Elmer Ave. America’s Great Depression sang the blues. The golden days of Hollywood have got one under the skin. Burlesque brought back dark sexy glamour. The state of war militarized civilian consciousness. London’s rock & roll attitude made its own stylish invasion. Punk rebellion took a stand from our youth. Ethereal connectivity and political awareness made the fashion world go ’round.

Elmer Ave’s spring summer 2009 collections at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles was a strutting conglomeration of historical milestones and experiences which influenced our minds, lifestyle and consciousness until the present time. A rich compilation of songs mixed together appropriately with each outfit took the audience back in time and back in America’s historical moments.

The fashion collection began with the touch of early 1900s era of Fred Astaire and the classic musical blends of Frank Sinatra. The tuxedo style three button black suit with a customized top lapel, black bow tie, flat front trousers and cane accessory introduced the theme of the show.

Overlapping styles from different eras flowed on the runway. One look featured a burgandy bow tie, gray blue long sleeved shirt, double breasted black vest, skinny black denim jeans, white military boot strap and boots. Another men’s look consisted of skinny silver tie, checkered double breasted peacoat, striped bootcut trousers, two tone brogues and of course an eyeliner shade on the eyes. Classic newspaper boy look came with wool gray newsboy cap, white long sleeved shirt, black suspenders, black above the knee shorts and white leather oxfords. The militant look showed an olive six button military coat, black tie, white shirt, skinny black trousers and brown below the knee leather boots. The modern Gatsby look composed of a black fedora, gray two button suit, white tuxedo shirt with light gold metallic barrel, skinny tapered above the ankle pants, metallic bracelet accessories and two tone oxfords.

“America’s great depression sang the blues. The golden days of Hollywood have got one under the skin. Burlesque brought back dark sexy glamour. The state of war militarized civilian consciousness.”

The men’s clothing line showed more black vests, skinny denim jeans, thin ties, slim suits in stripes or crosses, a punch of deep bright red, a hint of dark citron green and checkered or western leather print belts. Overall, the clothes maintain that dark edge infused with nostalgic references in history.

On the other hand, the Elmer Ave’s women’s collection focused on the lingerie line. The intimate appeal showed opaque or sheer fabrics over a striped lucite green jacket or zebra striped corset over a salmon rose high lapel jacket. The burlesque look included black striped vests, fish net leggings, flat front long trousers, tuxedo style suits, velvety textured bras, laced bra cups in slate gray bluish color, black garter belts and classic thigh highs.

The Elmer Ave spring summer 2009 fashion show did not need any of those overly decorated sets or lavish presentations in order to transmit the message. All it needed was an appropriate period tune or genre song with each specific outfit from its era. So America, decide, its either death or glory. And indeed, glory it is to the true Elmer Ave fashionista.

More fashion show photos and creative shots can be seen
at the Keith Carlos/ Mental Stimulus website:
www.mentalstimulus.com/2008/10/19/elmerave02/

Celebrities and media personalities who attended the
day long array of fashion events are available at the
Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/26/080813mbfwceleb/

Photojournalistic coverage at Keith Carlos: Visual Anthology website:
www.keithcarlos.com/blog/2008/10/24/081013elmerave/

Elmer Ave website:
www.elmerave.com

Elmer Ave Spring-Summer 2009 Collection
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
October 2008 Runway Show in Los Angeles
Photographer/ Author: Keith Carlos

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