America the beautiful was on display prominently, and with more than a little edge, at Heatherette's L.A. fashion week show on October 15, 2007. Smashbox Studio's runway was turned into the famed cross-country highway for the funky event, dubbed "Route 66: California or Bust" by the brand's design duo, Richie Rich and Traver Rains. The show wowed the audience as each piece that paraded down the runway boasted just as much freaky and fun as was seen in the New York show only a month before. Many of the women's garments centered on a corset-style bodice amped up by multi-tiered full skirts and flair that varied from giant bows and satin beach balls floating on a horizontal hoop skirt. For a change, though, the men were the ones baring it all, as the male models, in many cases, wore no more than a patriot-inspired bikini bottom and some haphazard suspenders.
The styles would be sure to stop traffic on even the trendiest of highways, and the over-the-top, crazy and colorful designs that represent Heatherette decorated Smashbox's highway better than any Rodeo Drive boutique. Lace, beads and fringe glistened down the runway on female models that looked reminiscent of Kate Moss's heroin-chic, and male models that represented fashion road kill, in the very best way possible. The men were covered in what appeared to me mud, and the stark contrast between their dirty bodies and the crisp style that was decorating their chiseled abs created the shocking but stunning look that Rich and Rains can be counted on for. Red, white, and blue was aplenty in the collection, as was glitter, paint, and outfits that appear absolutely impossible to actually wear in real life.
The event was attended by Kim Kardashian, Brittny and Lisa Gastineau, and Jesse James, as well as socialite/heiress Lydia Hearst and adult film star Jenna Jameson who both graced the catwalk modeling the designer's latest fashions.
And what exactly behind the brand's return to L.A. after a three year hiatus? Says designer Rich to Style.com, "New York was so much fun we wanted to continue the party!" And party they did, as "California or Bust" turned out an entertaining event for everyone in attendance.
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