Baja East's Fall 2020 Fashion Show in L.A. Was Inspired by a Decadent Disco in the Desert
Designer Scott Studenberg sent out looks (and models) dripping in Swarovski crystals.
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For L.A.-based label Baja East, fall 2020 is all about disco in the desert. Designer Scott Studenberg took over the West Hollywood Edition's intimate Sunset venue Friday afternoon for his latest runway collection, capping off awards season that included outfitting Billy Porter in a sparkling teal jumpsuit for the Grammys.
Set to a '70s-inspired soundtrack by a live choir and ten-piece band (as seen in our Instagram Stories), Baja East's show featured a color palette inspired by the Mojave Desert: Think shades of sand, night sky blue and black, palm tree green, aquamarine, desert rose, and pink opal. Staying true to its signature casual-cool aesthetic, the brand channeled the '90s drag queen documentary, Paris Is Burning, in oversized hoodies and tees that declared "High Fashion Eveningwear," "Opulence," and "The Category Is: Anything for Selenas" (a nod to the Tejano music superstar), and "House of Labaja" in bold lettering.
There were plenty of 1970s-inspired silhouettes fit for a decadent soirée in Joshua Tree, including drapey one-shouldered tops, Lurex gowns, vegan leather pieces, dark pinstriped separates, and skirts with thigh-high slits. But there were also pieces ready for a midnight desert kick-back, such as tie-dye hoodie sweaters, sweatpants, and a lavender cashmere cocoon sweater.
Crowd-pleasing autumn looks included swingy fringe-lined pieces, such as an all-white ensemble complete with a dramatic hat and bag, a black vegan leather mini dress, and Jerry Hall-worthy silk gowns and jumpsuits. Rounding out the solid shades were graphics and patterns, such as Baja East's famed galloping horses and mocha jaguar prints (seen in a jacket, bandeau top, and mini skirt combo), constellations (seen in a maxi skirt and a sheer layering top), and terrazzo-esque geometric designs.
Layering was also key in this collection: Casual pieces were mixed over black floral lace tops and pants and paired with cowboy boots (custom-made by Brother Vellies designer Aurora James) and hats dripping in strings of crystals (by milliner Gigi Burris). Dressier slip skirts and satin dresses were layered with Adding to the bling were the models, whose Swarovski crystal-embellished faces shimmered beneath the dozens of disco balls spinning above.
Bobbing to the throwback beats were starry attendees that included Paula Abdul, Sophia Bush, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson Ross, jewelry designer/nightlife entrepreneur Markus Molinari, model Shawn Ross, Famous in Love's Georgie Flores, and RuPaul's Drag Race stars Valentina and Willam. At the end of the show, Studenberg brought his charming pups to the Persian rug-covered runway, and guests took home Higher Love Aura Mist by Fever Tree Apothecary.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more inside Baja East's fall 2020 runway show in L.A.
Sunset at West Hollywood Edition, 1090 North Doheny Dr., West Hollywood, 90069
