Where Art Meets Couture: The Unveiling of Frieze LA's Style
The Grand Opening of Frieze Los Angeles: A Fusion of Art and Style
The Frieze Los Angeles art festival commenced its seventh annual edition on February 26, presenting a spectacular exhibition where the visual allure extended beyond the canvases to the sartorial selections of its visitors. The event, hosted within a magnificent tented complex at the Santa Monica Airport, marked a significant evolution from its initial debut on the Paramount lot in 2019, yet maintained its characteristic grandeur. Featuring diverse works from a hundred international galleries, the festival attracted a multitude of art connoisseurs and a notable celebrity presence, including figures like Timothy Olyphant, Emma Watson, and Ari Emanuel, alongside acclaimed artists.
The Unspoken Artistry: Attendees as Living Installations
Beyond the celebrated personalities, the true luminaries of Frieze LA were the individuals whose attire made a bold statement. Thousands converged on the opening day, many of whom approached their outfits as deliberate artistic contributions to the exhibition. This resulted in an exhilarating procession of unconventional eyewear, sculptural shoes, and distinctive headpieces, each vying for attention alongside the displayed art. As one attendee aptly articulated, the choice was not merely to observe art but to embody it.
Steve Wilson's Artistic Ensemble: A Wearable Statement
Steve Wilson, a distinguished hotelier and gallerist from the Midwest, captured attention in a vibrant canary-yellow suit crafted by Kentucky artist Bri Bowers. He emphasized the suit's role as "wearable art," asserting his belief that an art collector should personify a living work of art. His ensemble was completed with striking red sunglasses, which he proudly described as his personal emblem.
Lindsay Hawkins' Bold Fashion Choice: Comfort Meets Avant-Garde
Artist and filmmaker Lindsay Hawkins showcased her unique style with an avant-garde skirt from Chopova Lowena, a London-based folklore-inspired brand. She expressed her preference for distinctive yet comfortable fashion pieces that allow her to stand out while feeling at ease.
Aliona Kononova's Self-Designed Ethereal Look
L.A. designer and artist Aliona Kononova presented her own creations, featuring a red bubble dress, a separate white silk cape, white round cuffs, and a black wooden handbag. Her look was accented by ivory glasses from Adele Mildred of London, drawing inspiration from Peggy Guggenheim.
Brenna Pierose and Jessica Trent: A Blend of Modern and Vintage Aesthetics
Marketing executive Brenna Pierose paired her two-piece Alexis dress with vintage Prada loafers. Art consultant Jessica Trent opted for a completely vintage, eclectic style, which she curated after being inspired by a photograph from the late artist Steven Arnold, known for his surrealist flair and mentorship by Salvador Dali.
RF Jefferies: A Dedicated Adherent to Balenciaga's Demna
San Diego-based art collector RF Jefferies demonstrated a singular devotion to fashion, exclusively wearing black attire from Demna's Balenciaga. He articulated a profound belief in the transformative power of clothing and the ceremonial act of dressing, advocating for surrounding oneself with beauty in every aspect of life.
Stone Island's Festival-Exclusive Apparel
As a long-standing sponsor of the Frieze festival, fashion brand Stone Island designed exclusive Frieze t-shirts for this year's event, merging contemporary fashion with the artistic spirit of the festival.