Kevan Hall Runway Spring 2008
I have to admit that I didn’t know a lot about Kevan Hall before I decided to write a post about his Spring 2008 runway show. His was a name that floated about in the recesses of my mind, but I wasn’t quite sure why and I didn’t have a clear view of who he was as a designer. However, I strongly believe in supporting and exposing people to African-American designers, so I was all about finding out who he is and why I should care.
First, the resume. He made his bones when he served as Design and Creative Director for the hallowed house of Halston from Fall 1998 to Spring 2000. He then left to start his own line — Kevan Hall Collection, which has graced the frames of Hollywood posh girls like Kimberly Elise, Angela Bassett, and Katherine Heigel. Hall consistently creates red carpet success stories including dressing a not-so-desperate housewife, Felicity Huffman, when she picked up her 2005 Emmy win in one of his dresses.
For Spring 2008, Kevan Hall’s show was all about a trip to the Motherland and came complete with traditional beadwork, dancing children and African stilt walkers. More than just theatrics, Hall’s show and luxury gift bag auction was also meant to bring support for African charities.
The out of Africa theme ran through the clothing too. Hall presented sumptuous fabrics in earthy colors taken directly from the dark continent — rich reds, deep browns, sunrise pinks and oranges. A cowrie shell belt and pheasant feather shrug accessorized a simple mocha colored gown. Two of my favorite looks were the knee length dress that took its pattern from African mudcloth and Eugenia’s red and blue Masai-inspired gown.
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Previously — Blacks in Fashion Panel Discussion
Update: Claire over at the Fashion Bomb covered part two of the Blacks in Fashion panel. She has great photos of the attendees and all the 411 on the evening’s discussion. Check her out!
