Style editor Kateri Butler
interviews Alisa Loftin about what defines LA style.
There's no question that
L.A. has style to spare, from red-carpet razzle-dazzle to stoner surf chic and
everything in between. More than any place else, the iconoclast rules. We've
never been bound to East Coast dictums of what makes for proper dress, nor do
we tend to follow the trends idolized by the international fashion pack. In
fact, there are nearly as many definitions of what L.A. style is as there are
people who live here. With enough confidence and the right attitude, just about
anything goes. We asked six fashionistas — two boutique owners, two event
producers, a costume designer and a stylist — to share their interpretations of
L.A. style. The sole rule: They could only use local designers. Each of our
participants offered up a quintessential vision of what it means to live and
dress in L.A. — and together they create a complex portrait of the many faces
of style in Los Angeles. –Kateri Butler
Alisa Loftin
Proprietor, AERO & Co.
“L.A.
style is comfortable, functional, whimsical and fun. It isn't intellectual or
uptight. Most of all, it's about looking like you're not trying too hard, but
looking as fabulous as you can. And it's never wearing a designer head-to-toe.
It's knowing how to mix and match designers, as well as new and vintage. The
most important factors that influence L.A. style are the SoCal lifestyle,
Hollywood (old and new), the huge California sportswear industry, denim, and
our year-round climate. It all adds up to casual funky glamour. Unbeknownst to
the greater fashion world, L.A. has some amazing young talent emerging. While
most of these young labels have very raw products, their creativity and bold
desire to express themselves are refreshing. Aero & Co. is committed to
supporting the L.A. design scene. L.A. style is our answer to not being taken seriously
by the international fashion world. If they don't care about us, why should we
care about their rules? We're more casual and carefree. It's not about who's
who, it's about who cares.”
