Lina LecaroFor many, 2010 was a year for dressing to express, often in excess. Blending in, for the most part, was not an option when out on the town in LA. Inspired by everything from music and movies to retro style and well, we don't know what, here we present the 10 most notable styles and trends of twenty ten, some of which (#5, #1), we really wouldn't mind seeing meet their end in twenty eleven.
10. Tranimal Instinct
Gaga Schmaga. Tranimals -Fade-Dra (left) and one of her followers- eat meat dresses for breakfast.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Performers and club hosts Squeaky Blonde and drag daughter Fade-Dra Phey were all over the place this past year, and their demented, often face concealing get-ups were epic to say the least. We could not resist shooting them, ever. Nobody did it freakier, but thanks to photog Austin Young, who hosted “Tranimal” workshops and makeovers helmed by the duo, many tried. By end of the year, we definitely noticed the duo's influence on the cross-dresser community, which rocked creative cosmetics and clothing that went way beyond big wigs.
9. Boots and Blooms
Tough yet tender twosome.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Floral print frocks were in full bloom in 2010's warmer months, but hip chicks, for the most part, abandoned pairing them with the gladiator sandals of last year, opting for a clunkier, and sweatier, option– big boots. Baggy flower print dresses and jumpers of the '80s came back with a vengeance, no where more noticeable than at outdoor events like Sunset Junction Street Fair and F Yeah Fest.
8. Recycled Wearables
Targeted trend; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Recycled fashion was more about buying vintage (and bringing cute canvas bags to the supermarket), but every now and then, it was also about seeing something fun like this ensemble. She may have taken the plastic bag at Tar-Jay, but at least she didn't let it go to waste.
7. Candy Girls
Natalia Fabia made her tresses tasty; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Katy Perry's sweet treat fetish saw her donning plenty of edible girly-girl get-ups this year and she looked so good, we all ended up wanting to pour some sugar on ourselves. Lolita lasses (pretty in pink types fond of the Hello Kitty, Tarina Tarantino baubles and Japanese Fruits fashion) have always had a human cupcake-like quality, but this year, more gals than ever were clothed like confections.
6.Begging For Jeggings & Leggings To Kick It? Not yet.
Sam Sparro gets leggy with it.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Leggings have been on our trend list for the past three years now, and they've a stayed strong style, especially printed ones (more floral prints!). But the bizarre hybrid known as “jeggings” (jeans meets leggings) were particularly omnipresent this year. Pros: they offer the look of skinny jeans -easily tucking inside of boots- minus the restrictive sausage feel. The bad: as with leggings, you gotta wear 'em with longer, tunic tops or risk camel toe.
5. Hot Messes
Just say no to the mirror; Credit: Lina Lecaro
What's worse than day-go Ray Bans, silly head gear, Middle Eastern scarves, ironic tees and scruffy facial hair? Rocking 'em all at once. The mismatch moment has officially gotten out of control.
4. Who wears shorts-shorts?
Nair-approved.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Denim cut-offs were the hot pants of choice, but instead of Daisy Dukes, ladies seemed to prefer a more high-waisted option. Mom jeans made sexy? Maybe, but we will give most of the chickees in short-shorts this past Summer credit: they looked hot. Like halter tops, ya kinda have to know you have the bod to pull these off. For those on the fence, there were always tights.
3. Malice In Wonderland
Down the rabid hole.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
The excitement behind Tim Burton's Alice movie bled onto the club and fashion scene in LA in a big way, especially with the goth crowd. The Red Queen (first pic) seemed the inspiration of choice, but Mad Hatters, Cheshire Cats and even prim Alice joined the tea party, mostly with fiendish touches.
2. Tarty And Feathered
Punk Rock Pow-wow at Coachella; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Indian head-dresses, roach clips, even feather hair extensions adorned fashionistas by day and night, solidifying boho and hippie chic, but in an embellished, glam way.
1. Furry Fiends
Big game… no game.; Credit: Lina Lecaro
Ah yes. The furry animal hat. These were kinda fun the first time we saw a couple cuddly cuties donning them out in the clubs, but soon, the heady herds became a horrible reminder that audacious fashion statements are only cool when a few brave souls attempt to pull them off. We thought Ke$ha donning one of these on the cover of Paper mag would be the end, but this picture was taken (at Fred Segal of all places!) months after. Alas, cheap knock-offs of the furry/plushy-inspired headgear can be found everywhere from the mall to Santee Alley, so these will be forced into hibernation soon.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.